Tactical Empathy

In this conversation, Erin interviews Michael Lopez who shares his leadership journey, emphasizing the influence of team sports, military experience, and consulting. He discusses the importance of empathy in leadership and provides practical techniques for developing empathy skills. The conversation delves into the significance of self-empathy and the impact of diversity in team dynamics.

Today on Tactical Empathy:

• Leadership is influenced by experiences in team sports, military, and consulting.
• Empathy is a crucial skill in leadership, involving self-awareness and understanding others.
• Self-empathy is essential for personal growth and effective leadership.
• Diversity in team composition contributes to a more empathetic and innovative work environment.

Connect with Michael:

• Website: www.michaeljlopez.coach
• Instagram: @michaeljlopez9
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-j-lopez9/

Connect with Erin:

• Instagram: @elthorp 
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-thorp-speaker/
• 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 power of a simple question that can interrupt our cycle of automatic judgment and open up space for empathy. The question is: 'What else might be going on here?' She explains that our brains are wired to make quick judgments for survival, but this automatic reaction doesn't serve us in challenging situations or interactions with others. By asking this question, we can shift from reaction to response and increase our capacity for empathy. Erin provides examples of how this question can be applied to both self-empathy and empathy with others.

Today on Tactical Empathy:

• Our brains are wired to make quick judgments for survival, but this automatic reaction doesn't serve us in challenging situations or interactions with others.
• By asking the question 'What else might be going on here?', we can interrupt our automatic judgment reactions and choose to respond with empathy.
• This question can be applied to both self-empathy and empathy with others, allowing us to explore different perspectives and gather more information.
• Practicing empathy skills increases our capacity for pause, reflection, and choosing better responses instead of reactions.

Connect with Erin:

• Instagram: @elthorp 
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-thorp-speaker/
• 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 speaks with Deb Porter, an expert in listening. Deb shares her journey and insights on becoming a professional listener. She emphasizes the importance of holding space and offers practical tools for active listening. Their conversation covers the core elements of active listening, including centering oneself, setting intentions, and asking the right questions. Deb's approach to empathy and the power of holding space are highlighted as transformative practices for effective communication.

Today on Tactical Empathy:

• The importance of holding space and being present in active listening
• The power of asking open-ended questions to invite deeper conversation
• The transformative impact of empathy and understanding in communication
• The value of setting intentions and centering oneself before engaging in a conversation
• The significance of recognizing the need for problem-solving versus holding space in a conversation

Connect with Deb Porter:

• Website: www.hearingoutlifedrama.com
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deblhporter/
• Courses: https://www.hearingoutlifedrama.com/listenyourwaytoincreasedsales

Connect with Erin:

• Instagram: @elthorp 
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-thorp-speaker/
• 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 shares a personal experience of navigating through a shame spiral and how she used empathy to overcome it. She discusses the importance of catching negative thoughts and reframing them, as well as the need to nurture oneself in difficult moments. Erin emphasizes the power of self-awareness and self-care in maintaining emotional well-being. She also highlights the continuous practice of empathy and its transformative impact on relationships and personal growth.

Today on Tactical Empathy:

• Catching negative thoughts and reframing them is crucial in overcoming a shame spiral.
• Nurturing oneself and practicing self-care is essential in difficult moments.
• Self-awareness is key to recognizing and addressing insecurities and anxieties.
• Empathy is a continuous practice that can lead to personal growth and improved relationships.
• Embracing emotions as valuable information and making adjustments in response is important for emotional well-being.

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, Erin speaks with Tara Paton, a team effectiveness consultant and personal success coach, Tara shares her experience of transitioning from a non-empathic leader to someone who had to flex her empathy muscle during a challenging time. She discusses the importance of self-awareness, setting boundaries, and practicing self-recovery to avoid burnout. Tara emphasizes the need to hold space for others without taking on their stress and the value of clear communication in leadership. She also highlights the benefits of empathy in building better relationships and becoming a more effective leader.

Today on Tactical Empathy:

• Flexing the empathy muscle is a valuable skill for leaders, even if they don't naturally identify as empathic.
• Setting boundaries and practicing self-recovery are essential to avoid burnout when providing empathy and support to others.
• Clear communication and holding space for others without taking on their stress are key aspects of effective leadership.
• Self-awareness and understanding one's own preferences and biases are crucial in building empathy and better relationships.
• Empathy is about being present and listening, rather than trying to fix problems.

Connect with Tara Paton:

• Website: https://redblazesolutions.com/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/taralpaton/

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 power of presence in practicing empathy with ourselves and others. Erin shares her own practices of cultivating presence, such as walking in nature and engaging in breath work. Erin emphasizes the importance of being fully connected to oneself before engaging with others to hold space for their feelings and perspectives. Being present and attentive allows for a deeper understanding and fosters empathy. Erin provides practical steps for increasing presence and empathy, including mindfulness practices and honing active listening skills.

Today on Tactical Empathy:

• Cultivating presence with oneself is essential for practicing empathy with others.
• Mindfulness practices, such as walking in nature or engaging in breath work, can help cultivate presence.
• Being fully connected to oneself before engaging with others allows for better understanding and empathy.
• Active listening and reflecting back what the speaker has said are important practices for empathy.
• Incorporating mindfulness and active listening into daily life can enhance presence and empathy.

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 talks with Julia O'Grady, owner and founder of ITM events, and discusses the importance of tactical empathy in leadership. Julia shares her personal definition of empathy as listening wholeheartedly to understand, rather than listening to respond. She highlights the challenges of practicing empathy, such as the tendency to blame and the fear of difficult conversations. She emphasizes the need to stop blaming and take responsibility for one's part in a situation. Julia also discusses the impact of empathy on her business and team, including improved communication, reduced fear of difficult conversations, and increased confidence in leadership roles.

Today on Tactical Empathy:

• Empathy in leadership means listening wholeheartedly to understand, rather than listening to respond.
• Blaming others or oneself can hinder the practice of empathy.
• Taking responsibility for one's part in a situation is essential for effective leadership.
• Practicing empathy can lead to improved communication, reduced fear of difficult conversations, and increased confidence in leadership roles.

Connect with Julia O’Grady:

• Website: https://itmevents.ca/ 
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julia-o-grady-b7146939/

Connect with Erin:

• Instagram: @elthorp 
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-thorp-speaker/
• 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 profound impact of correctly pronouncing and using unfamiliar names. Names are deeply tied to identity and heritage, and learning them demonstrates respect and empathy. Personal anecdotes underscore how mispronunciations can hinder connections. Erin emphasizes the transformative power of getting names right, fostering inclusivity and understanding in various settings. It concludes with a call to action: take the initiative to learn and pronounce unfamiliar names correctly, fostering deeper connections in all interactions.

Today on Tactical Empathy:

• Names are deeply intertwined with one's sense of self, reflecting historical, cultural, and familial significance.
• Mispronouncing or forgetting someone's name can cause hurt and make them feel unseen and unheard.
• Learning and using names correctly demonstrates respect and acknowledgment, fostering genuine connections.
• Taking the time to pronounce unfamiliar names correctly shows empathy and values the other person's identity.
• Creating inclusive environments involves prioritizing correct name pronunciation, avoiding assumptions, and being open to feedback.
• Correctly pronouncing names can have a transformative impact, fostering empathy, understanding, and meaningful 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 conversation, Kelly Beattie discusses the importance of empathy in the context of change. She highlights the common emotions and perspectives that arise during change initiatives, such as fear and anger. Kelly emphasizes the role of grief and loss in change and the need to acknowledge and address these emotions. She also explores the challenges of practicing empathy in change leadership and shares strategies for cultivating empathy, including self-reflection and active listening. Kelly emphasizes the importance of investing time in dialogue and creating space for individuals to express their needs and emotions. The episode concludes by encouraging leaders to recognize the difficulty of change and to invest the necessary time and effort to support their teams.

Today on Tactical Empathy:

• Change is accompanied by a range of emotions, including fear, anger, and grief. Leaders must acknowledge and address these emotions to effectively navigate change.
• Practicing empathy in change leadership requires self-reflection, active listening, and stepping out of one's own perspective.
• Investing time in dialogue and creating space for individuals to express their needs and emotions is crucial in supporting them through change.
• Recognizing the difficulty of change and investing the necessary time and effort can lead to greater trust, engagement, and success in change initiatives.

Connect with Kelly:

• Website: www.beyondconnections.ca
• Instagram: @beyodconnections
• LinkedIn: @kellybeattie



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 of Tactical Empathy, host Erin Thorp explores the importance of self-care and self-exploration in leadership. She shares personal challenges she faced and the solutions she discovered, including managing energy with energetic time management and developing self-care practices like floating and hydrotherapy. Erin emphasizes the need to embrace emotions and build emotional capacity, allowing for a curvy line of emotional expression. She also discusses the significance of learning to just be and recognizing signs and tests of growth. The episode concludes with a call to give oneself permission to prioritize self-care and personal growth.

Today on Tactical Empathy:

• Manage your energy with techniques like energetic time management.
• Develop self-care practices that nourish and nurture yourself.
• Embrace and build emotional capacity to experience a full range of emotions.
• Take time to explore yourself and discover your passions and purpose.
• Recognize signs and tests of growth as opportunities for personal development.
• Give yourself permission to prioritize self-care and personal growth.

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.