However, while empathy is essential, very few organizations offer training and support to leaders. Why? Because for a long time, empathy was considered an innate trait that could not be developed, but research in recent years has shown that this skill can be learned!

Here are some tips I give to leaders who want to develop this skill that is so crucial to retention and company culture in today's leadership practice.

Practice active listening

The best way to understand another person's feelings is through active listening. It's not enough to just listen to what someone has to say, you also need to recognize their need and pay attention to it.

• Ask questions

• Pay real attention to the answers

• Rephrase in your own words to demonstrate that you have understood correctly.

• Use body language that demonstrates openness and kindness

Active listening helps to establish a climate of trust and proximity which encourages exchanges and which, at the same time, gives the leader the opportunity to develop his ability to better understand the people with whom he interacts.

Be open and accept difference

Recognize that others may have ideas and opinions that are different from yours.

Encourage discussion and debate of ideas among your team members: By allowing everyone to express themselves, you create an environment where employees feel respected, valued, appreciated and safe. Regularly remind your employees that they are welcome to comment, question and express themselves.

Remember, even if you don't agree with them, appreciate what your collaborators bring to a discussion and thank them for their input!

As a leader you have the opportunity to have a significant impact on protecting employees' psychological safety at work so that they feel comfortable being themselves.

Put yourself in other people's shoes

Take the time to imagine how another person feels about a given situation: think about what the other person might think, how they experience the situation and what they might feel.

• Make scenarios

• Make assumptions

• Observe body language

• Don't be afraid to ask questions to fully understand the situation.

Ask for feedback

Seek input and feedback from others on a decision, plan, or situation: This helps you gain perspective from multiple angles. In reality, the leader understands different points of view and this allows him or her to have a better overall understanding of a situation.

“Empathy is seeing with the other's eyes, listening with the other's ears,

and feel with the other's heart."