Empathy Summit: Saturday, January 6, 2024
Topic:  What is Empathic Leadership and how can it be developed?

Register Now - TBD

Time: 8 am PT to 12 pm PT  (4 hours) 

      World Times:  https://bit.ly/3qbiEe1 
      8 am PT/11 am ET/ 4 pm BST/ 5 pm CET

Location: Zoom https://zoom.us/j/9896109339  
RECORDING:   Part of the event will be recorded and posted to social media for educational and promotional purposes. You have an option of being in a non recorded breakout group. 

Partners

1. The Empathy Center - Building the movement for a more empathic culture.

2. Foundation for Developing Compassion and Wisdom (FDCW)     
   Supports people in developing a warm heart and a wise mind. 

3. Peace Alliance    
   Educate, advocate, and mobilize people into action to transform systems and public policy toward a culture of peace. 

4.  Listen First Project     
   A network of 500+ bridging organizations, leads the collaborative movement to heal America by bridging divides. 

5. Conflict Transformation, Peacebuilding and Security (CoPeSe)   
   A leading network on peacebuilding and conflict transformation, counting more than 60k members. Share and retrieve newest info on peacebuilding and conflict transformation. 

6.  National Coalition for Dialogue & Deliberation (NCDD)  
   a network of innovators who bring people together across divides to discuss, decide, and take action together effectively on today’s toughest.

7. Be a  Summit Partner - Email EdwinRutsch@gmail.com

Program

Lead: Edwin Rutsch

8 am PT  - Mimi Nicklin

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5 min  - break

9 am PT  - Cara Jean Wilson

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5 min  - break

10 am PT:  Empathy Circle
A 2 hour participatory dialogue using the Empathy Circle process.

How to Empathy Circle   (10 min)

Empathy Circle (1:30 hr) 

Debrief (15 min)

Next Steps: (2 min)

Speakers and Hosting Team

Empathy Summit:    Links

Website:    http://EmpathySummit.com
November:                 TBD
Registration:     TBD
Partners    http://EmpathySummit.com/sponsors 
Volunteers:              TBD 
LinkedIn Event:     TBD  
Facebook Event:    TBD  
Feedback:              TBD
Citizen Connect Event:    TBD 
Final Report:    TBD 

References

Empathy In the Workplace Magazine  -  There are many articles about empathy in the work place and empathic leadership

ChatGPT,  What is Empathic Leadership and how can it be developed?

Empathic leadership is a leadership style that emphasizes understanding and relating to the emotions, perspectives, and needs of others. It involves being aware of and sensitive to the feelings and experiences of team members or followers, and using that understanding to guide decision-making and interactions. Empathic leaders create an environment of trust, support, and psychological safety, which can enhance team morale, motivation, and performance.

Here are some ways to develop empathic leadership:

1. Cultivate self-awareness: Start by developing a deep understanding of your own emotions, strengths, weaknesses, and values. This self-awareness helps you empathize with others and recognize your own biases and assumptions.

2. Active listening: Practice active listening skills, such as maintaining eye contact, using open body language, and giving your full attention to the speaker. Show genuine interest, ask clarifying questions, and reflect on what is being said to demonstrate that you understand and value their perspective.

3. Practice empathy: Put yourself in the shoes of others and try to understand their experiences, emotions, and challenges. Empathy involves suspending judgment and truly seeking to understand, rather than just sympathizing or providing solutions.

4. Build relationships: Establish genuine connections with your team members or followers. Spend time getting to know them on a personal level, show interest in their lives, and be approachable. Building relationships based on trust and mutual respect fosters empathy.

5. Foster open communication: Create a culture of open communication where team members feel comfortable expressing their thoughts, concerns, and ideas. Encourage honest feedback, provide opportunities for discussion, and consider multiple perspectives when making decisions.

6. Lead by example: Model empathic behavior in your own actions and interactions. Treat others with respect, kindness, and understanding. When team members see you practicing empathy, they are more likely to emulate those behaviors.

7. Develop emotional intelligence: Emotional intelligence involves understanding and managing your own emotions as well as recognizing and empathizing with the emotions of others. Work on enhancing your emotional intelligence through self-reflection, mindfulness, and seeking feedback.

8. Continuous learning and development: Stay open to learning and growing as a leader. Seek out resources, workshops, and training programs on empathy and leadership skills. Engage in self-reflection and regularly evaluate your own progress and areas for improvement.

Remember that developing empathic leadership is an ongoing process that requires practice, patience, and a genuine commitment to understanding and supporting others. By incorporating these strategies into your leadership approach, you can foster a more empathic and collaborative work environment.

ChatGPT: Why is empathy important for leadership?

Empathy is crucial for leadership because it allows leaders to understand and connect with the people they lead on a deeper level. Here are several reasons why empathy is important for effective leadership:

1. Building trust: Empathy helps leaders build trust with their team members. When leaders show understanding and compassion, they create an environment where individuals feel safe to express their concerns, challenges, and ideas. This fosters trust and encourages open communication within the team.

2. Enhancing communication: Empathetic leaders are better listeners and communicators. They pay attention to both verbal and non-verbal cues, allowing them to understand not only what is being said but also how it is being said. This helps them to respond appropriately and address the needs and emotions of their team members.

3. Strengthening relationships: Leaders who demonstrate empathy can form strong connections with their team members. They take the time to understand their perspectives, motivations, and aspirations. By doing so, they can provide personalized support, guidance, and mentorship, which in turn strengthens the relationships within the team.

4. Resolving conflicts: Conflict is inevitable in any workplace, but empathetic leaders are better equipped to handle conflicts effectively. By understanding the underlying emotions and concerns of those involved, empathetic leaders can mediate disputes and find solutions that satisfy the needs of all parties involved.

5. Increasing morale and motivation: When employees feel understood and valued, they are more likely to be motivated, engaged, and committed to their work. Empathetic leaders create a positive work environment that promotes well-being, encourages collaboration, and supports individual growth and development.

6. Driving innovation and creativity: Empathy can foster an inclusive and diverse work culture where individuals feel comfortable expressing their unique perspectives and ideas. This can lead to a more innovative and creative team, as different viewpoints are considered and encouraged.

7. Adapting to change: In times of change or uncertainty, empathetic leaders can provide reassurance and support to their team members. By understanding and acknowledging the emotions associated with change, leaders can help their team navigate through challenging situations and adapt more effectively.

Overall, empathy enables leaders to understand, connect, and inspire their team members, leading to improved performance, engagement, and overall success. It is an essential trait for leaders who strive to create a positive and productive work environment.