Empathy Goes a Long Way in Creating Stronger Tech Teams

COVID-19 had a significant impact on the business world, including altering how companies manage their workforces. Additionally, the pandemic thrust employee well-being into the spotlight. While the most obvious reason for the spotlight was the health-related crisis, mental health issues, burnout, and similar concerns also garnered attention, particularly with so many tech teams working remotely.

In the end, the pandemic emphasized the power of empathy and its ability to build strong tech teams. Empathy is an incredibly valuable trait, and not just during times of crisis like the pandemic. If you are wondering how empathy can help you create strong tech teams, here’s what you need to know.

How Empathy Builds Strong Tech Teams

Empathy is a critical soft skill that allows people to better understand another’s perspective. Essentially, it’s the ability to put yourself in someone else’s shoes, making it easier to get a grip on their position, struggles, or needs.

As a manager, empathy can lead to stronger teams. It makes you better equipped to help your employees through challenges, as you’ll have a great depth of understanding about what they are experiencing.

Additionally, empathy can help you see the reasoning behind certain shifts in your team. While many leaders may react harshly to productivity declines, an empathetic manager understands that there may be something greater at play that resulted in a shift in work quality.

Instead of assuming the worst, you’ll be driven to find out precisely what’s occurring, giving the employee the benefit of the doubt while you explore the situation. As you dig deeper, your tendency won’t be to spring to judgment or reprimands. You’ll be more likely to be solution-oriented while also ensuring the employee’s feelings and opinions are respected along the way.

In the end, empathy creates a kinder environment where struggles can be faced head-on, leading to lasting solutions. Plus, it makes the workplace feel safer, making it easier for employees to reach out for help when they need it most. Ultimately, that leads to stronger, more capable teams, as no one feels alone, unheard, or undervalued.

How to Bring More Empathy into the Workplace

Introducing a new mindset into an organization usually needs to come from the top. All levels of leadership need to practice empathy, allowing them to show that it’s a cultural priority.

However, they also need to go further. Managers need to be comfortable showcasing their human sides. By being vulnerable on occasion, tech team members understand that they, too, can be vulnerable. This allows you to learn more about their current state and perspective, making it easier to find reliable ways to support them at every step.

In the end, that two-fold approach is crucial for imbuing empathy into your company’s culture. Once in place, you’ll end up with a more positive and supportive environment, one where a strong tech team can grow and thrive.

If you’d like to learn more about how you can cultivate a culture where empathy is the norm, The Squires Group team can help. Contact us today.


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