The Bridge of Courage: Empathy in Leadership with Henning Bech

In this conversation, Erin chats with Henning Bech as he shares his insights on the importance of empathy in leadership, describing it as a 'bridge of courage' that connects different perspectives. Henning discusses the challenges leaders face in practicing empathy, often due to misconceptions about its nature. Through personal anecdotes, Henning illustrates the profound impact of empathy on team dynamics and individual growth. He emphasizes the need for leaders to cultivate self-awareness and curiosity, moving from a compassionate approach to a more empathic one. The discussion also touches on practical strategies for fostering empathy in professional settings, particularly in career coaching.

Today on Tactical Empathy:

• Empathy is a bridge that connects different perspectives.
• Practicing empathy requires courage to look within oneself.
• Leaders often misunderstand empathy as a weakness.
• Empathy is essential in today's leadership landscape.
• Real-life experiences can deepen our understanding of empathy.
• It's important to allow space for team members to not always perform at their best.
• Shifting from compassion to empathy can enhance leadership effectiveness.
• Staying curious is crucial for empathetic leadership.
• Asking open-ended questions fosters better communication.
• Empathy plays a vital role in career coaching and personal development.

Connect with Henning:

• Website: www.henningbech.com
• Book: www.pivotaledge.me
• LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/henningbech

Connect with Erin:

• Instagram: @elthorp 
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-thorp-speaker/
• Website: www.erinthorp.ca 
• Inside Out Empathy Free Chapter: https://www.insideoutempathy.com/
• Freebie: 5 Practices to Build Empathy Skills

This show was produced by ELF Solutions Inc.