When was the last time you got frustrated with a colleague or client? And did you try to genuinely understand their perspective?
As an experienced professional, it’s easy to make assumptions and expect others to understand you. But often they don’t.
Having empathy and being able to put yourself in someone else’s situation to fully understand what they need and why – that’s a great skill to have.
I want to share a personal experience. Before Annika was born I could never truly understand what parents felt or experiences. Sure, I could understand things rationally but not at the emotional level. I know that now.
In my 20s I enjoyed socialising and going for drinks after work with my colleagues. I couldn’t understand why people wouldn’t join us and instead went home as soon as they were done with work.
Now I can. I don’t want to miss out on time with Andy and Annika. I love spending time with my extended family and being fully present without distractions from work.
I had to become a parent to fully appreciate this.
But you don’t have to DO all the things others do to understand what they go through.
A shortcut is to make the time to ask them questions and then listen with attention. While you might find it hard to put aside your assumptions initially, I promise you will learn a great deal about the people around you, about their expertise and work.
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How do they run their department?
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What are the things they need to make good decisions?
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What are their biggest challenges?
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What are they keen to understand about YOUR work?
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What small change would make a big difference to their work day right now?
Another step you can take is to shadow them for a day. Join their meetings, participate in their conversations with their stakeholders and hear more about their business.
You’ll expand your own horizon and I am confident you will learn a lot about your colleagues, too. That fosters better teamwork. And people appreciate when someone takes the time to truly understand what it takes to be successful in their role.
What’s been the most impactful situation in your professional life when you had the chance to put yourself in someone else’s shoes?
Have a great week!
Eva