*****BIOSM***** ******LEADING FROM WITHIN****** The role of EMPATHY in LEADERSHIP. 1). What is EMPATHY? Empathy is when you demonstrate CONCERN for, and LISTEN to reach understanding of others ideas and feelings. In simple terms, it is the ability to put yourself in the shoes of others; feeling their feelings. Empathy is NOT the same as Sympathy. While Empathy means SHARING the pain of others, Sympathy means PITY for the pain of others. Empathy means the ability to Understand the needs of others, and being aware of their feelings and how it affects their actions and perceptions. It does not mean you have to agree with how they see things; rather being Empathetic means Willing and Able to appreciate what others are going through. 2). As a Leader, what does it matter to Understand the needs of others? Greater bonds are built between the Leader and the Led through the Understanding of each others feelings. A true Leader of the people achieve great benefits from making time to understand what those around him NEED, as opposed to what he percieved is required. Indeed if leaders take time to understand the Needs of their people and provide them with the support to press ahead, to deal with the challenges that is holding them back to achieving their goals, they end up raising great leaders and hence, multiplying followership. 3). How do you Identify an EMPATHETIC LEADER? An Empathetic Leader is a good Listener, Non-judgemental, Open-minded, with outstanding Emotional intelligence. They are always interested in understanding the problem of their followers, and how to help them solve to it. 4). Can Empathy be Learned or it is Innate? Empathy is human. Once we develop the attitude of focusing on others, we authomatically develop our empathetic traits. BENJAMIN IKANI OKOLO (BIO) had portrayed through his Leadership style the Practical example of how a leader should show EMPATHY towards his followers. This is evident in his diffussive leadership characteristics which think MORE of WE than I. The Practical connection that exist between him and the people Before, During and After office is a demonstration of an ideal Empathy. He does not need a THINK-TANK Committee to know the NEEDS of his people as he had made himself a part of their situation and hence, struggle daily to bring enduring solution to their plight. We the BIOSM ADVOCATES who had through scientific and practical observation and scrutiny of the practice of EMPATHY in the style of Leadership of BENJAMIN IKANI OKOLO, and how it had positively affected the lives of our people and set an enviable standard on the Political Landscape recommends it for others to EMULATE. Always put yourself in others shoes if you feel that it hurts you, it probably hurt other person, too. **RACHEL GRADY** By: FREDRICK AHIDJO YUSUFU for ****BIOSM advocates***
Posted on: Sun, 29 Jun 2014 01:08:17 +0000