Written by: Omu Obilor, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
Many organizations are now shifting towards authentic and supportive leadership from the traditional bossy command leadership. To be an innovator, visionary, and shaper, you need to lead your team with a high degree of passion for results. To achieve the same, you need to have empathy towards your team members, understand them, and motivate them constantly. By doing so, you can communicate your vision more clearly and align their vision with yours. Keeping that in mind, here are the five ways to communicate vision with an empathy-centered relationship.
1. Observe more
Pay attention to each one of your team members by their habits. Are they distracted, struggling, or coping with something? Are they developing new and productive habits? If not, then what is it that is holding them back? Read their facial expressions and body language. Observe their reactions to criticism and positive feedback. You can even talk to colleagues and find out directly instead of being judgemental or making assumptions. Once you know your employees, it will be easier for you to help them out so that they remain focused on your company's goals.
2. Listen more
Rather than talking, listen more effectively about your team members. Notice their tone, pitch, choice of words and phrases, and the topics they talk about the most. Take notes on these and compare them the next time you communicate with them. If your team member sounds stressed or you notice something is off, you can ask them questions to confirm or apprehend before diving into your ideas and plans.
3. Ask them questions
Instead of asking general questions about the meetings and projects, ask your team members some personalized questions. For example, instead of asking something defensive and prompt like “Why weren’t you paying attention?” you can go with “Is there anything I could help you with? I noticed something during our conversation”. This approach is better than the impersonal approach and inculcates trust and care. Your teammate might share what they’re up to, and it can take the load out of them and later on make them more productive.
4. Be approachable
Have some room for a two-way dialogue in your team where your teammates can connect with you and chat. Welcome contributions actively and promote empathetic interactions. You can start with a particular ‘ask me anything’ video conferencing session where your team can ask you doubts and voice their issues when a crisis arrives. It promotes transparency, builds trust, and keeps everybody in your team informed and involved making them feel like a team.
Visit Omu's website to learn more!
Omu Obilor, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Omu is an International Coach, Speaker, Trainer, and Thought Leader. Her mantra is “Living my best life," this she achieves by living Intentionally.
Her mission in life is to empower others to live their best life, curating the life they want for themselves.
As a founding member of the John Maxwell Team, she has mastered intentional living in personal and professional life.
She performs the role of Executive Director and National Trainer in Business Network International (BNI), which empowered her to master training networking.
Omu has, over the years, poured out her all into the lives of her clients. Walking them through the various transitions in life and mentoring them through the transformation. She is driven by her passion for helping individuals realize that it is possible to live the life they dream of.
Extremely passionate about Transformation in people, she works tirelessly to see this through.
Her approach is designed to increase awareness and accountability to increase morale and determine values.
She runs a mentormind group for women looking to grow in their personal and professional lives. She also runs masterminds monthly, amongst others.
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