The Number One Cause of Death in Team Culture

Leaders, at any level of the organization, fight the struggle to understand the people they lead. More than understanding them, they struggle to connect with them in an unwritten sector of their chemistry that can only be felt and not seen.

Empathy.

We live in a society that believes what it says regarding empathy. We see it every day, all around us. Riots, wars, and violence of all kinds could be combatted with a critical ingredient of empathy. To say we care enough about our brothers and sisters, which we may disagree with, speaks louder than any protest.

Yes, as leaders, but as simply human beings, we have an opportunity to choose empathy over cold-heartedness. Empathy puts in the shoes, the mindset, and the emotion of the other person, and without that connection, those around you will constantly battle to feel alone. Empathy lets others know that you understand their point of view and what they are going through. Empathy shows others that you are human and care more about them than the bottom line.

The health and growth of your team culture depend on what you allow to be acceptable, but the number thing you cannot compromise on is setting an example of empathy to those beside, above, and below you on the org chart.

Choose empathy over being right. Choose empathy over getting paid. Choose empathy over ignorance, and watch your team’s culture soar to new, unimaginable heights.