Own Your Space
Vix Anderton
High-Performance Coach
Learn how social awareness and empathy can transform your team. Discover practical techniques, including the What/How/Why framework, to build stronger, supportive relationships at work. Dive in and elevate your team dynamics today!
Learn how social awareness and empathy can transform your team. Discover practical techniques, including the What/How/Why framework, to build stronger, supportive relationships at work. Dive in and elevate your team dynamics today!
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Own Your Space
5 mins
Key learning objectives:
Understand the importance of social awareness
Identify components of empathy
Apply the What/How/Why framework
Overview:
Following the Christchurch mosque shootings, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern’s empathetic response highlighted the essence of social awareness. She connected deeply with the Muslim community, reflecting respect and understanding. This is about grasping others' perspectives and emotions amidst life's messiness, using the What/How/Why framework: reflecting words (What), reading body language (How), and understanding motivations (Why). This empathetic approach fosters real, supportive connections in any team, making it crucial even when life gets complicated. Empathy isn’t just theory, it’s transformative in practice.
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Social awareness is about understanding and empathising with the perspectives of others. It's not just a single skill but a mix of being able to see situations from someone else’s viewpoint and empathising with them. This means not letting your own biases colour your understanding of others’ beliefs and values. It’s essential for effective teamwork and leadership, helping to build a more understanding and cohesive team.
What are the main components of empathy and how can they be applied?
Empathy involves reflecting on three key aspects of communication: What, How, and Why. This framework helps in truly understanding others and fostering deeper connections.
What: Focus on the words someone uses. Reflecting back on their words shows you’re listening and understanding. For instance, if a colleague says they’re overwhelmed, acknowledge it by saying, “It sounds like you have a lot on your plate. What’s feeling most overwhelming?”
How: Pay attention to body language, tone, and energy. These nonverbal cues often reveal more than words alone. If someone says their presentation went “okay” but looks downcast, ask about it: “You seem a bit discouraged. Was there anything that didn’t go as expected?”
Why: Understand the values and motivations behind someone’s words. Reflecting this back shows you get them on a deeper level. For example, if a colleague is frustrated because their hard work isn’t recognised, you might say, “It seems like you’re feeling disappointed because you put a lot of effort into this. Is it important for you to feel acknowledged for your work?”
What role does empathy play in team dynamics?
Empathy is vital for building stronger, more empathetic relationships within a team. It helps in understanding each member’s perspective, leading to better communication and collaboration. By applying empathy, you can address issues more effectively and create a supportive work environment. It also helps in navigating conflicts and building trust, making the team more resilient and united.
How can social awareness be developed in practice?
Developing social awareness involves actively practising empathy using the What/How/Why framework:
- Listen actively: Pay close attention to what colleagues are saying and reflect back to ensure you understand their message
- Observe nonverbal cues: Be mindful of how colleagues communicate beyond words – their body language, tone, and pace can reveal a lot about their feelings
- Ask open-ended questions: Encourage deeper conversations by asking questions that allow colleagues to share more about their thoughts and feelings
- Validate emotions: Acknowledge and validate your colleagues' emotions to show understanding and support
The opinions and viewpoints expressed in this video are those of the creator and do not necessarily reflect the views of any affiliated organisations.
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Vix Anderton
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