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HR Superstars

REPLAY: Perfect Is the Enemy of Progress with Liesel Mertes

Dec 24, 2024
Liesel Mertes, Founder of Handle with Care Consulting, is an expert in workplace empathy, helping organizations cultivate caring cultures. In this discussion, she emphasizes that empathy is a vital skill for leaders, not just a personality trait. Liesel introduces the concept of an 'empathy menu' to offer tailored support during tough times. She also addresses managing change fatigue and highlights the importance of self-care for HR leaders. Practical strategies for balancing empathy with workplace demands make this conversation both insightful and actionable.
41:12

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Empathy should be viewed as a developable skill rather than a mere personality trait, vital for enhancing workplace relationships during crises.
  • Providing specific support options, instead of vague offers of help, significantly reduces emotional burden and empowers colleagues in challenging times.

Deep dives

The Importance of Empathy in the Workplace

Empathy is often seen as a personality trait rather than a skill that can be developed. It is essential to recognize that everyone has the capacity to grow in their ability to empathize, especially in workplace settings where individuals may encounter colleagues facing personal crises. This perspective stems from personal experiences, such as dealing with significant life challenges, which highlight the importance of equipping people with tools to support one another. Creating a culture of empathy requires ongoing education and awareness about how to best navigate difficult conversations and situations.

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