Episode #15: Balancing Empathy & Leadership - Engaging in Emotional Conversations

🎧 Episode #15: Balancing Empathy & Leadership: Engaging in Emotional Conversations 🎧

In this episode, host Erika Diaz welcomes back guest Ashley Andersen, who has launched a new company called Ezra Sage Co. Ashley’s business focuses on helping leaders develop skills to foster motivation and retention without compromising well-being.

The conversation builds on a previous episode about emotional literacy in the workplace, taking a deeper dive into how leaders can effectively navigate conversations about emotions with their teams.

They debunk the myth that dealing with emotions at work is solely HR’s responsibility, emphasizing that it’s crucial for leaders to manage these situations. Leaders can’t ignore emotions, as employees bring their full selves to work, including personal challenges. The episode stresses that while leaders aren’t therapists, they should show curiosity about emotions and create environments where people feel seen, heard, and supported. Ashley highlights that addressing emotions, even the difficult ones, fosters stronger relationships and enhances productivity.

They discuss the challenges many face when addressing emotions, noting that even non-leaders should develop this skill, as it improves workplace interactions overall. The episode also covers the shift to virtual work during COVID-19, and the increased use of video conferencing, has made these conversations more necessary and visible. The workplace has changed, and leaders need to adapt by being more empathetic and emotionally attuned.

By leaders openly sharing their emotions or the emotional landscape they observe in the workplace, they model vulnerability and permission for others to do the same. Even naming the emotions you believe might be present, like uncertainty, fear, or overwhelm during times of challenge or uncertainty, such as layoffs, can normalize these feelings and invite discussion, paving the way for greater connectedness and support in the team.

Episode Highlights:

🫶🏽 Leaders who engage with their teams on a human level & offer emotional support build trust

🧘🏽‍♀️ Creating a psychologically safe environment allows employees to thrive, where they feel valued, seen, and supported without fear of judgment or retribution

🌟 Fostering emotional literacy in leadership not only improves employee well-being but also drives business success through enhanced engagement and motivation

💡 Tips & insights on how you can effectively engage in emotional conversations

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