his protest of injustice and police brutality . Some bought Nike products in support of the cause , and others boycotted it in opposition , but either way , Law says , “ that goes back to empathy , and understanding why they ’ re doing what they ’ re doing .”
Regardless of where a CEO stands on social issues , the point is that it ’ s imperative a company has empathy for consumers ’ values or it runs the risk of being tone-deaf .
If empathy is so crucial to innovation , then it logically follows that business owners should try to become more empathetic . How is this done ? “ It sounds pretty simple , but it really starts with a curiosity to learn someone else ’ s perspective ,” says Law . “ It doesn ’ t have to be right or wrong . But just really explore it , and recognize that that ’ s their truth .”
Dodson says that while her approach to empathy is largely subconscious , when she feels stressed , she “ actively works on it ,” and she makes it a point to ask more questions and make fewer assumptions . For example , when HomeZada ’ s customers ask questions by email , Dodson says they are usually short and sweet . So she responds by asking follow-up questions , getting them to elaborate and provide a better understanding of the roots of their problems .
To instill empathy in the company culture , Trifecta gives every new team member the book “ Radical Candor ” by Kim Scott that Connolly says “ helps teach us how to be very honest with each other while simultaneously showing that we care deeply .” And Connolly lists the golden rule as one of his company ’ s core values : “ We think that treating others how they deserve to be treated is the most empathetic way to approach our relationships .”
Finally , in some good news for beleaguered leaders : Your empathy homework might just be to relax . As part of the Hacker Lab community , through Zoom webinars like “ Building Compassion ,” Laura Chamberlin , an executive and life coach , instructs entrepreneurs on the importance of empathy . She says the best way to boost our capacity for empathy is to focus on repletion . If we ’ re chronically stressed , sleep-deprived or feasting on a diet of junk food , then our mindset comes from a place of scarcity .
Chamberlin recommends flipping the script . “ Make changes so that instead we come from a place of abundance .” Essentially , this means taking better care of ourselves . Her recommendations include going for a walk and leaving the phone at home , or calling a good friend and talking about what ’ s on your mind , or treating yourself to a splurge meal . Her core message : Caring for others starts with caring for yourself .
And it might even spark a good idea .
Jeff Wilser is the author of seven books , most recently “ Becoming a Firefighter ,” from Simon & Schuster ’ s Masters at Work series . On Twitter @ jeffwilser .
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