On Empathy, Connection & Effortless Loyalty
Live Empathy | Bonfire with Soul Principle #3
“Before connection comes empathy.” - Duke Stump
Vulnerability. Empathy. Understanding. Connection. Are these words you commonly associate with words “brand” or “business” or “work”?
For our team, it is a resounding yes. It is central to how we come to be so dedicated to one another as a team, and how dedicated we are to empowering our clients’ missions.
But if the answer is yes, what does that actually look like, practically?
This past month, as we reflected on the next principle in Bonfire with Soul, Live Empathy, that question above came front and center.
“Before connection comes empathy.”
How do you deepen understanding of or empathize with your clients?
Immerse yourself in their industry--through their office, team, a course, or an event.
Ask real questions. Learn about who they are and what drives them. And don’t stop at questions about their business, but questions about their whole self.
Take time: Slow down, listen, take time to see the people as their authentic selves, sitting before you, and take the time to truly connect with who they are.
For their people: Show them you desire to connect, that their presence and ideas matter, and that you are there to help.
How do you foster connection for our (or your) team?
Taking time to actually ask what is going on with everyone before we dive into the work portion of a meeting.
Finding time to ask team members “I work best by…”
Examining “How do we let our clients really know us?” and pursue executing those touch points with passion.
Being curious about your people, and fostering an atmosphere where there is no “work self” and “home self” but inviting them to be one and the same.
Supporting one another when kids are sick, life is busy or hard, and knowing that might lead to laughter or tears…but most of all a sense of empathy.
And for our larger team of community and collaborators this principle also helped open our eyes to the fact that they cannot truly know us, nor we them, until we create the space to connect--truly connect.
To that end, we are excitedly planning an event this Fall to do just that--connection that deepens an understanding of who we are as well as who we seek to surround ourselves with.
Stay tuned.
