Tactical Empathy

In this conversation, Steven discusses the role of empathy in leadership and how it has influenced his own leadership roles in the pharmaceutical industry, mentoring, and writing. He shares his personal journey of embracing empathy despite societal expectations and the challenges he faced in practicing empathy. Steven emphasizes the importance of setting boundaries with empathy and finding a balance between competence and compassion. He also introduces his research project on empathy and small businesses, which explores the connection between empathy and employee satisfaction. 

Today on Tactical Empathy:

• Empathy plays a crucial role in effective leadership and can lead to greater success when embraced.
• Societal expectations and cultural upbringing can make it challenging to practice empathy, but it is important to lean into one's natural empathetic tendencies.
• Setting boundaries with empathy is essential to avoid becoming overwhelmed or losing authority.
• Building empathy muscles requires self-discipline and understanding individual needs and preferences.
• Personalization is key in practicing empathy, as different individuals have different ways of experiencing and expressing empathy.

Connect with Steven:

• Website: www.stevenadjei.com
• LinkedIn: Steven N. Adjei
• Pay The Price: Creating Ethical Entrepreneurial Success Through Passion, Pain and Purpose https://amzn.eu/d/7N7SbwT

Connect with Erin:

• Instagram: @elthorp 
• Website: www.erinthorp.ca 
• Inside Out Empathy: www.erinthorp.ca/insideout
• Freebie: 5 Practices to Build Empathy Skills

This show was produced by ELF Solutions Inc.

In this conversation, Erica Zygelman, a leadership coach and consultant, discusses the importance of empathy in leadership. She shares her background in tech and media and how the lack of support and training for new leaders inspired her to become a leadership development coach. Erica defines empathy as understanding, appreciating, and valuing other people's perspectives, feelings, thoughts, and needs. She explains that empathy is a crucial skill for leaders to develop and highlights the misconception that empathy is a waste of time in the workplace. Erica also provides tips for transitioning from a peer to a manager and shares practices to build empathy muscles.

Today on Tactical Empathy:

• Empathy is a crucial skill for leaders to develop as it allows them to understand, appreciate, and value other people's perspectives, feelings, thoughts, and needs.
• The misconception that empathy is a waste of time in the workplace is outdated. Investing in relationships and developing empathy leads to stronger relationships, better problem-solving, and more successful outcomes.
• Transitioning from a peer to a manager requires a beginner's mindset, vulnerability, and open communication with the team. Acknowledging the shift in dynamics and setting expectations can help navigate this transition.
• Practicing presence and being mindful of distractions are essential for developing empathy. Daily practices such as meditation, breathwork, or journaling can help cultivate presence.
• Using assessments, such as emotional intelligence assessments, can provide valuable insights into empathy and other emotional intelligence skills. These assessments can guide individuals in identifying areas for improvement and developing a well-rounded emotional intelligence skill set.

Connect with Erica:

• Website: www.ericazygelman.com
• Instagram: @ericazygelman
• LinkedIn: @Erica Zygelman



Connect with Erin:

• Instagram: @elthorp 
• Website: www.erinthorp.ca 
• Inside Out Empathy: www.erinthorp.ca/insideout
• Freebie: 5 Practices to Build Empathy Skills

This show was produced by ELF Solutions Inc. 

In this conversation, Megan Stanley, the founder and president of Dogma Training, discusses the importance of empathy as a leadership skill. She shares her definition of empathy as taking the time to understand others' perspectives and experiences. Megan highlights the challenges of practicing empathy, especially during times of stress. She also explores the difference between practicing empathy with pets versus humans. Megan emphasizes the importance of building trust and creating safe spaces for open communication within teams. She shares her personal experiences of using empathy as a leader during challenging times and navigating change. Megan provides practical tips for leaders to take care of themselves and lead with empathy. She concludes by discussing the positive impact of leading with empathy on team retention and culture.

Today on Tactical Empathy:

• Empathy is the ability to understand and consider others' perspectives and experiences.
• Practicing empathy can be challenging, especially during times of stress.
• Building trust and creating safe spaces for open communication are essential for practicing empathy within teams.
• Taking care of oneself is crucial for leading with empathy.

Connect with Megan:

• Website: www.dogmatraining.com
• Instagram: @dogmatraining
• Facebook: @dogmatraining
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqueline-fisch-writer
• Tik Tok: @dogmatraining

Connect with Erin:

• Instagram: @elthorp 
• Website: www.erinthorp.ca 
• Inside Out Empathy: www.erinthorp.ca/insideout
• Freebie: 5 Practices to Build Empathy Skills

This show was produced by ELF Solutions Inc.

In this episode, Erin explores the question of how to teach a team, specifically women, to have empathy for themselves. The conversation delves into the importance of understanding empathy and judgment, and how they relate to self-care and accountability. Erin emphasizes the need to practice discernment and listen to one's own needs in order to give oneself grace and hold oneself accountable. The episode concludes with a call to action for listeners to reflect on their own judgment and practice empathy for themselves.

Today on Tactical Empathy:

• Understanding empathy and judgment is crucial for practicing self-care and accountability.
• Practicing discernment and listening to one's own needs is key to giving oneself grace and holding oneself accountable.
• Balancing grace and accountability is essential for maintaining overall well-being.
• Reflecting on one's own judgment and practicing empathy for oneself can lead to healthier relationships and improved leadership skills.

Connect with Erin:

• Instagram: @elthorp 
• Website: www.erinthorp.ca 
• Inside Out Empathy: www.erinthorp.ca/insideout
• Freebie: 5 Practices to Build Empathy Skills
• Oprah and Brené Brown Clip: https://youtu.be/Iud89Gi8Jgs

This show was produced by ELF Solutions Inc.

In this conversation, Jacqueline Fisch discusses the importance of empathy in written communication. She highlights the need for a shift in communication styles, moving away from authoritative and dictatorial approaches towards a more collaborative and empathetic approach. Jacqueline emphasizes the importance of considering the audience's perspective and building trust in written communication. She provides strategies for addressing fear and resistance, understanding the audience's state of mind, and using empathetic language. Jacqueline also shares tips for getting to know the audience better and overcoming barriers to empathic communication. She concludes by emphasizing the importance of editing and taking time before sending messages.

Today on Tactical Empathy:

• Shift communication styles towards a more collaborative and empathetic approach.
• Consider the audience's perspective and build trust in written communication.
• Address fear and resistance by understanding the audience's state of mind.
• Use empathetic language and create a connection with the audience.
• Get to know the audience better and overcome barriers to empathic communication.
• Edit messages and take time before sending them.

Connect with Jacqueline:

• Website: https://jacquelinefisch.com/
• Website: https://theintuitivewritingschool.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theintuitivewritingschool/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theintuitivewritingschool
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqueline-fisch-writer
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/JacqFisch

Connect with Erin:

• Instagram: @elthorp 
• Website: www.erinthorp.ca 
• Inside Out Empathy: www.erinthorp.ca/insideout
• Freebie: 5 Practices to Build Empathy Skills

This show was produced by ELF Solutions Inc.

In this episode, Erin Thorp explores the inside and outside skills of empathy that help us navigate through tough times at work. She introduces the concept of the new golden rule, which involves treating ourselves the way we want others to treat us. She also discusses the platinum rule, which emphasizes treating others how they want to be treated. Erin emphasizes the importance of practicing empathy with ourselves before extending it to others. She also highlights the significance of non-judgment and perspective-taking in empathetic leadership. Finally, she encourages leaders to release control and build trust with their team members.

Today on Tactical Empathy:

• Practice empathy with yourself before extending it to others.
• Treat others how they want to be treated, not how you want to be treated.
• Be non-judgmental and practice perspective-taking.
• Release control and build trust with your team members.

Connect with Erin:

• Instagram: @elthorp 
• Website: www.erinthorp.ca
• Inside Out Empathy: www.erinthorp.ca/insideout
• Freebie: 5 Practices to Build Empathy Skills

This show was produced by ELF Solutions Inc.

In this conversation, Ryan Englin, the founder and CEO of Core Matters, discusses the importance of empathy in leadership and attracting talent. He shares his experiences and lessons learned from his previous leadership roles in corporate and explains how empathy can be a powerful tool in the workplace. Ryan emphasizes the need for leaders to understand and acknowledge the challenges and struggles that employees and job seekers face. He provides practical examples of how empathy can be applied in the hiring process and offers advice for employers looking to attract the best talent. Ryan also shares personal practices for developing empathy as a leader.

Today on Tactical Empathy:

• Empathy is a crucial leadership skill that can have a significant impact on employee engagement and satisfaction.
• Leaders should strive to understand and acknowledge the challenges and struggles that employees and job seekers face.
• Creating a supportive and empathetic environment can help attract and retain top talent.

Connect with Ryan Englin: 

• Facebook: https://facebook.com/thecorematters
• LinkedIn Company: https://www.linkedin.com/company/corematters
• LinkedIn Personal: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanenglin
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@corefithiring
• X: https://twitter.com/corematters
• Free book download: Hire Better People Faster: https://corematters.com/freebook/

Connect with Erin:

• Instagram: @elthorp 
• Website: www.erinthorp.ca 
• Inside Out Empathy: www.erinthorp.ca/insideout
• Freebie: 5 Practices to Build Empathy Skills

This show was produced by ELF Solutions Inc. 

In this episode, Erin Thorp discusses the overwhelming human desire to solve other people's problems and the need to lead with empathy. She shares her own experiences and challenges in seeking understanding and connection in her leadership journey. Erin explores the reasons why people default to fixing and offers insights into building empathy muscles. She emphasizes the importance of slowing down, being comfortable with others' emotions, and asking questions to support and empower others. Erin concludes by encouraging leaders to fix less and lean into curiosity, allowing space for self-discovery and growth.

Today on Tactical Empathy:

• Recognize the overwhelming desire to fix other people's problems and lead with empathy instead.
• Build empathy muscles by intentionally practicing empathy in daily interactions.
• Be comfortable with others' emotions and allow them to explore and learn from their challenges.
• Slow down, connect with others, and prioritize building healthy, connected relationships.

Connect with Erin:

• Instagram: @elthorp 
• Website: www.erinthorp.ca 
• Inside Out Empathy: www.erinthorp.ca/insideout
• Freebie: 5 Practices to Build Empathy Skills

This show was produced by ELF Solutions Inc. 

In this episode, our host, Erin talks with Matt Ohley, a Construction Manager at Ajax Paving in Tampa Florida, about the importance of empathy in the construction industry and how it can improve leadership. 

Matt shares his definition of empathy as walking in someone else's shoes and understanding their perspective. Together they address the challenges to empathy, including ego and societal expectations. The show explores the role of emotions and gender in construction and the impact of shame on mental health. Matt provides examples of how putting oneself in someone else's shoes can help navigate difficult situations in construction. He emphasizes the importance of daily practices, such as meditation and self-reflection, in developing empathy. Listeners can connect with Matt on LinkedIn.

Today on Tactical Empathy:

• Empathy is crucial in the construction industry and can improve leadership.
• Challenges to empathy in construction include ego, pride, and societal expectations.
• Emotions and gender play a role in how empathy is perceived in the industry.
• Shame can hinder vulnerability, and empathy is the antidote to shame.
• Putting oneself in someone else's shoes can help navigate difficult situations in construction.
• Daily practices, such as meditation and breathwork, can help develop empathy muscles.

Connect with Matt Ohley:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-ohley-a89769107/

This show was produced by ELF Solutions Inc. 

In this episode, Erin Thorp explores the relationship between empathy and change. She discusses the self-criticism and self-judgment that often arise during times of change and emphasizes the importance of self-empathy in navigating these challenges. Erin explains that developing empathy muscles allows us to recognize and question our own thoughts and perspectives, leading to personal growth. She provides tools for navigating change, including getting quiet, examining the evidence for our thoughts, and practicing mindfulness. Erin encourages listeners to approve of themselves and embrace imperfections, as self-acceptance is key to taking action and pursuing fulfillment.

Today on Tactical Empathy:

• Self-empathy is crucial during times of change, as self-criticism and self-judgment often arise.
• Developing empathy muscles allows us to recognize and question our own thoughts and perspectives.
• Tools for navigating change include getting quiet, examining the evidence for our thoughts, and practicing mindfulness.
• Approving of ourselves and embracing imperfections is key to taking action and pursuing fulfillment.

Connect with Erin:

• Instagram: @elthorp 
• Website: www.erinthorp.ca 

Freebie: 5 Practices to Build Empathy Skills

This show was produced by ELF Solutions Inc.