As we go into 2025, we must keep this in mind...

Empathy isn’t a personality trait. 

According to Liesel Mertes, Founder of Handle with Care Consulting, it’s an essential workplace skill we need to hone.

And at the same time, people who go through disruptions and hard times have to eventually return to the office and add value to the organization. There’s a balance between having empathetic conversations and being honest about the nature of the employer/employee relationship.

In this episode replay, Liesel shares practical ways to strengthen your empathy muscle as a manager, HR leader, and friend. She explains what is and isn't effective at helping someone through hardship and offers tangible tools to care for people well.

Join us as we discuss:

[09:00] How to handle the pivotal first moments after a disruptive event

[15:30] Creating an “empathy menu”

[20:00] Managing change fatigue

[23:00] Rituals to care for yourself as an HR leader

[28:00] Metabolizing the hard stories you hold

[35:00] Balancing fortitude and empathy

Resources:

For the entire interview, subscribe to HR Superstars on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube, Or tune in on our website. Original podcast track produced by Entheo.

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Liesel Mertes’ LinkedIn - click here!