Jumat, 01 September 2017

Understanding Empathy in the Culturally Diverse Workplace

Diversity in the work place opens up a multiplicity of opportunity when it comes to embracing different culture and broadening horizons in the face of client relations. It can pose a challenge, however, to mesh these differences in a way that allows for effective communication and cooperation in a team of coworkers if not handled properly. The key to successfully maintaining proper communication is through the use of empathy practices among staff and leadership.

What is empathy?

In everyday use of the term, empathy refers to the action of putting one's self in another's shoes. Attempting to understand the thoughts, feelings, and perspective of another, however, is an art that requires some amount of skill. Keeping an open mind is the first step to practicing empathy and opening doors to effective communication. Empathy requires practice, and quite a bit of education to pull off-especially in a workplace that embraces a higher level of formality.

Practical exercises to strengthen empathy are key to a successful workplace.

Because diversity is such an essential asset to the workplace, providing practical ways for your employees to practice empathy is incredibly important. There are many methods employees can use to do this, many of which are incredibly simple. Providing a casual atmosphere for teambuilding - whether within the workplace or at an outside venue such as a retreat-will give coworkers the opportunity to educate their colleagues on life history and background, which opens the floor for discussion on particular cultures represented in the diversity of the group. Facilitating open discussion is essential for education and success.

How can empathy be practiced through communication?

In a diverse workplace, it is possible that conflicts may arise due to error in communication. Differences in perspective and communication style, however, do not automatically relegate a problem to a failure. By approaching your employees and facilitating a discussion that addresses and acknowledges the viewpoints of both parties, you may be able to resolve disputes in a manner that will naturally provide the opportunity for empathy in communication.

Practicing empathy in any group of diverse individuals is a great way to avoid conflict and embrace an atmosphere that will allow any group to feel comfortable and flourish. Once you understand how to improve this skill, communication between both coworkers and clients will be more successful.



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