Tactical Empathy

In part 1 of our 3-part series on grief, Erin and Christine discuss the complexities of grief and the importance of empathy in supporting individuals who are grieving, particularly in the workplace. Christine shares her personal experiences with grief and highlights common misconceptions about the grieving process. They explore how grief manifests in different ways, the impact of unresolved grief, and the role of leaders in creating a supportive environment for grieving employees. The discussion emphasizes the need for open communication, understanding, and the importance of acknowledging loss to foster a compassionate workplace culture.

Today on Tactical Empathy:

• Empathy involves meeting people where they are.
• Grief can stem from various types of loss, not just death.
• There is no set timeline for grief; it is a personal journey.
• Grief can manifest differently in the workplace depending on the individual.
• Acknowledging a person's loss can help them feel supported.
• Leaders should create a culture that allows for open discussions about grief.
• It's important to check in with grieving employees regularly.
• Language matters; saying 'I don't know what to say, but I'm here' can be comforting.
• Grief can be a lonely experience, and support is crucial.
• Remembrance of the deceased can help the grieving process.

Connect with Christine:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christine-mack-granger/

Connect with Erin:

• Instagram: @elthorp 
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-thorp-speaker/
• Website: www.erinthorp.ca 
• Inside Out Empathy Free Chapter: https://www.insideoutempathy.com/

This show was produced by ELF Solutions Inc.

In this conversation, Erin chats with Andrea Janzen they discuss Andrea’s leadership journey and the work of Ambition Theory, focusing on transformational leadership skills in the construction industry. Andrea emphasizes the importance of empathy, the barriers women face in leadership roles, and the differences between mentorship and sponsorship. The discussion also covers the 'above and below the line' model for leadership behavior and strategies for supporting team members' advancement.

Today on Tactical Empathy:

• Empathy is crucial for effective leadership.
• Transformational leadership is collaborative and inclusive.
• Women often face barriers due to traditional leadership structures.
• Sponsorship is more effective than mentorship for women's advancement.
• Recognizing individual strengths can enhance team performance.
• The construction industry rewards transactional behaviors over transformational ones.
• Leaders should focus on the bigger picture, not just technical skills.
• The 'above and below the line' model helps leaders assess their behavior.
• Creating a supportive environment can shift team dynamics positively.
• Women need advocates in leadership roles to succeed.

Connect with Andrea:

• Website: https://nawicleadershipacademy.org
• Podcast: https://ambitiontheory.com/the-ambition-theory-podcast/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreajanzen/

Connect with Erin:

• Instagram: @elthorp 
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-thorp-speaker/
• Website: www.erinthorp.ca 
• Inside Out Empathy Free Chapter: https://www.insideoutempathy.com/
• Freebie: 5 Practices to Build Empathy Skills

This show was produced by ELF Solutions Inc.

In this conversation, Erin chats with Marvin as he shares his journey of self-discovery and the importance of empathy in leadership. He emphasizes the need for personal responsibility and understanding the impact of our actions on others. Marvin and Erin discuss the challenges of self-awareness and how mindset plays a crucial role in our interactions. He provides insights into fostering collaboration and transformation within organizations, highlighting that true change begins with understanding and empathy.

Today on Tactical Empathy:

• We all have a responsibility for others.
• Empathy is about seeing yourself in others.
• Transformations begin and end with people.
• The biggest issue in organizations is mindset.
• Self-deception is the first deception we face.
• Understanding others' needs leads to better collaboration.
• We often focus on behavior rather than mindset.
• To foster change, we must first understand ourselves.
• Leading by example is crucial for inspiring others.
• The journey of self-discovery is ongoing and essential.

Connect with Marvin:

• Website: www.gileadsanders.com
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marvindejean/
• You tube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HJ3IKZvfR-4 
• You tube: https://youtu.be/Wop0ZM4opkc?si=oxFttHqdmwQM5UiN

Connect with Erin:

• Instagram: @elthorp 
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-thorp-speaker/
• Website: www.erinthorp.ca 
• Inside Out Empathy Free Chapter: https://www.insideoutempathy.com/
• Freebie: 5 Practices to Build Empathy Skills

In this episode of Tactical Empathy, Erin discusses the challenges leaders face during times of disruption and the importance of empathy in navigating uncertainty. She emphasizes that leaders should not aim to eliminate uncertainty but rather help their teams build capacity to handle it. Through practical strategies, Erin illustrates how leaders can normalize feelings of anxiety, focus on known factors, and engage their teams in the process of navigating change. Real-life examples highlight the effectiveness of empathy-driven leadership in fostering trust and adaptability within teams.

Today on Tactical Empathy:

• The fear and emotional weight of leading during disruption is common.
• Leaders should help teams build capacity to navigate uncertainty.
• Empathy involves acknowledging discomfort rather than hiding it.
• Certainty is an illusion; capacity is what we need to develop.
• Normalizing feelings can help regulate emotional charge in teams.
• Focusing on what is known can provide clarity during chaos.
• Engagement is key to overcoming feelings of helplessness.
• Leaders should model vulnerability and share uncertainties.
• Trust is built through consistent and congruent actions.
• Being present and reminding teams of their capabilities is crucial.

Connect with Erin:

• Instagram: @elthorp 
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-thorp-speaker/
• Website: www.erinthorp.ca 
• Inside Out Empathy Free Chapter: https://www.insideoutempathy.com/
• Freebie: 5 Practices to Build Empathy Skills

This show was produced by ELF Solutions Inc.

In this conversation, Erin chats with Genevieve as she shares her inspiring leadership journey, detailing her transition from a corporate career to founding the Pajama Program, which provides pajamas and books to children in need. She emphasizes the importance of empathy, vulnerability, and leading with love in both personal and professional settings. Genevieve discusses the challenges of expressing emotions as a leader and the transformative power of connecting with others through heartfelt storytelling. The conversation highlights the significance of finding purpose and the impact of genuine emotional connections in leadership.

Today on Tactical Empathy:

• Genevieve always aspired to be a strong, independent woman like Mary Tyler Moore.
• She felt societal pressure to conform to traditional roles but chose her own path.
• A pivotal moment led her to realize the importance of meaning in her life.
• Her experience reading to children in shelters sparked the creation of the Pajama Program.
• Empathy is about truly feeling and understanding another's pain.
• Crying and vulnerability can strengthen connections with others.
• Leaders often struggle with expressing emotions due to societal norms.
• Finding purpose can lead to significant life changes and fulfillment.
• Leading with love fosters collaboration and connection in organizations.
• It's essential to surround yourself with like-minded individuals who support your vision.

Connect with Genevieve:

• Website: https://www.genevievepiturro.com/
• Instagram: @genevievepiturro
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/genevievepiturro/
• Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/GenPiturro/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GenevievePajama

Connect with Erin:

• Instagram: @elthorp 
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-thorp-speaker/
• Website: www.erinthorp.ca 
• Inside Out Empathy Free Chapter: https://www.insideoutempathy.com/
• Freebie: 5 Practices to Build Empathy Skills

This show was produced by ELF Solutions Inc.

In this episode of the Tactical Empathy Podcast, Erin shares insights from her recent work with a high-performing leadership team that struggled with communication and connection under pressure. Through the Positive Intelligence Framework, the team embarked on a seven-week journey focusing on empathy, self-awareness, and emotional regulation. Erin highlights the importance of building trust and connection within teams, emphasizing that empathy is a foundational skill that drives performance and well-being. The episode concludes with reflections on the transformative impact of the program and the necessity of fostering a more human and connected workplace.

Today on Tactical Empathy:

• Communication has always been the issue for high-performing teams.
• Traditional leadership development approaches often fall short.
• Empathy starts with self-empathy, not just for others.
• The Positive Intelligence Framework focuses on building mental fitness.
• Empathy is a capacity to stay grounded in high-pressure situations.
• Self-awareness and emotional regulation are crucial for effective leadership.
• Teams need to practice empathy to improve collaboration and trust.
• Feedback from participants highlighted significant personal growth.
• Empathy is not a weakness; it is essential for team performance.
• Transformative change occurs through shared experiences and practice.

Connect with Erin:

• Instagram: @elthorp 
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-thorp-speaker/
• Website: www.erinthorp.ca 
• Inside Out Empathy Free Chapter: https://www.insideoutempathy.com/
• Freebie: 5 Practices to Build Empathy Skills

This show was produced by ELF Solutions Inc.

In this conversation, Erin chats with Barbara as she shares her insights on the importance of empathy in leadership. Drawing from her extensive corporate experience, Barbara defines empathy as the ability to feel with others without losing oneself in their emotions. She emphasizes the significance of self-awareness, curiosity, and understanding fairness in fostering empathy. Barbara provides real-life examples of how empathy can be practiced in challenging situations and discusses common barriers leaders face in developing this crucial skill. The conversation concludes with practical tips for enhancing empathy in leadership roles.

Today on Tactical Empathy:

• Empathy is feeling with others without getting carried away.
• Understanding others is crucial for effective leadership.
• Empathy allows leaders to support their teams better.
• Taking a break can help in difficult conversations.
• Empathy is not about letting people off the hook.
• Self-awareness enhances our ability to empathize.
• Curiosity helps replace judgment in interactions.
• Fairness influences our capacity for empathy.
• We share more similarities than differences with others.
• Listening is a key component of empathy.

Connect with Barbara:

• Website: https://www.bnowconsulting.com
• Instagram: @bnow.consulting 
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bgeluda
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Connect with Erin:

• Instagram: @elthorp 
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-thorp-speaker/
• Website: www.erinthorp.ca 
• Inside Out Empathy Free Chapter: https://www.insideoutempathy.com/
• Freebie: 5 Practices to Build Empathy Skills

This show was produced by ELF Solutions Inc. 

In this episode of Tactical Empathy, Erin engages in a deep conversation with guests Mad and Lucy about the importance of empathy in bridging gaps in understanding, language, and identity. They explore their personal journeys into coaching and podcasting, define empathy from their perspectives, and discuss the challenges of using language to foster belonging. The conversation highlights the significance of curiosity in empathy, the impact of generational stereotypes, and the difficulties in maintaining empathy in professional settings. In this conversation, the speakers explore the complexities of empathy in personal and professional relationships. They discuss the importance of navigating difficult conversations with honesty and connection, the power of empathy in fostering understanding, and the significance of asking the right questions. The dialogue also touches on generational differences in empathy and offers practical tips for integrating empathy into daily interactions.

Today on Tactical Empathy:

• Empathy is attention—where you choose to focus is everything.
• Curiosity and empathy are inseparable; asking better questions builds deeper connection.
• Belonging is in the eye of the beholder—intent isn’t enough.
• Empathy without boundaries leads to burnout—know what’s yours to carry.
• You don’t need to feel empathy to practice it—just take action.
• Generational stereotypes are distractions—connection comes through conversation.

Connect with Lucy and Mad:

• Website: https://www.youtube.com/@Leadify_Blanchard 
• Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/20NmtCpFtZb8wxNaJzuBZT?si=fc72d9fe3bb04155

Connect with Erin:

• Instagram: @elthorp 
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-thorp-speaker/
• Website: www.erinthorp.ca 
• Inside Out Empathy Free Chapter: https://www.insideoutempathy.com/
• Freebie: 5 Practices to Build Empathy Skills

This show was produced by ELF Solutions Inc.

In part 2 of this 2-part series, Erin explores the concept of empathy overload, particularly how the desire to help others can lead to burnout. She discusses the signs of empathy fatigue, introduces a preservation toolkit to help manage emotional energy, and emphasizes the importance of self-care and setting boundaries. Erin shares personal experiences and practical strategies for rebuilding self-care practices, ultimately guiding listeners to find a sustainable balance in their empathetic engagements.

Today on Tactical Empathy:

• Empathy can lead to burnout if not managed properly.
• Signs of empathy overload include emotional exhaustion and resentment.
• It's essential to prioritize self-care to avoid compassion fatigue.
• Setting boundaries is crucial for maintaining empathy without collapsing.
• Self-care practices can be simple yet effective in rebuilding capacity.
• Asking yourself what you need is a vital self-care strategy.
• Empathy is an energy that needs to be preserved.
• You don't have to carry everything that others bring to you.
• Finding your center helps in managing empathy effectively.
• Both extremes of empathy are part of being a human leader.

Connect with Erin:

• Instagram: @elthorp 
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-thorp-speaker/
• Website: www.erinthorp.ca 
• Inside Out Empathy Free Chapter: https://www.insideoutempathy.com/
• Freebie: 5 Practices to Build Empathy Skills
• Listen to Part 1: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/tactical-empathy/id1721613074

This show was produced by ELF Solutions Inc.

In part 1 of this 2-part series, Erin  explores the complexities of empathy in leadership, focusing on the extremes of being perceived as the villain in someone else's story. She discusses the emotional challenges leaders face when empathy is blocked or overextended, and offers practical tools for navigating difficult conversations and maintaining healthy relationships. The episode emphasizes the importance of reframing blame, practicing curiosity, and the power of pausing before reacting.

Today on Tactical Empathy:

• Empathy can be a powerful tool for leaders.
• Being misunderstood can trigger defensiveness and hinder empathy.
• It's important to recognize when we are seen as the villain.
• Reframing blame as pain can help us respond with empathy.
• The pause is crucial in emotional conversations.
• Curiosity leads to better understanding and communication.
• Asking 'what' and 'how' questions fosters dialogue.
• Regulating our emotions is key to effective leadership.
• We often carry stories about ourselves that others may not understand.
• Empathy stretches us in moments where relationships thrive or fail.

Connect with Erin:

• Instagram: @elthorp 
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-thorp-speaker/
• Website: www.erinthorp.ca 
• Inside Out Empathy Free Chapter: https://www.insideoutempathy.com/
• Freebie: 5 Practices to Build Empathy Skills

This show was produced by ELF Solutions Inc.