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Issue link: https://digital.canadianlawyermag.com/i/1499770
www.canadianlawyermag.com 63 we do in life is determined by both – it is not just IQ but emotional intelligence that matters. Indeed, intellect cannot work at its best without emotional intelligence," Goelman says. Empathy holds a space for people to "be" and for us to connect to their emotions. Empathy says, "I see you, and I value you" – whether we agree or not. Empathy says, "I seek to understand what is happening for you and how I can support you to be the best you can be." The key for leaders? Get curious about your people. Ask questions to understand more about what makes them tick. What is important to them? How do they see the state of play in your organization? Where do they think the way you all work could be improved? What are their strengths, their challenges? What do they need to thrive and excel? Let's listen deeply to their perspectives with a desire to understand, showing humility and grace in response to their feedback, and acknowledging their courage in speaking up. Then there is no limit to what we can achieve together. we are supported to be our best and feel valued as a human being, not just as a role. What we feel impacts on how well we think. Research continues to open our eyes to the impact that a sense of belonging, psychological safety, and trust has on our cognitive functioning and outcomes. Show me an empathetic leader who can offer a safe space for their team to share their feelings and concerns about any work initiative, and I'll show you a team that is honest and open enough to work proactively on what's working and what is not. This team creates a learning culture in which it is safe to share where they need support and robust enough to allow discussion of the more challenging issues. The key Empathy is a key skill of those with emotional intelligence. It is the ability to understand the emotions that motivate and sustain people to thrive. Daniel Goleman, whose extensive research into emotional intelligence redefined what we see as important in leadership today, sees both thinking and feeling skills as critical. "How Empathy holds a space for people to "be" and for us to connect to their emotions. Empathy says, "I see you, and I value you" Tracey Ezard is a keynote speaker, author, and leadership and team educator. Her leadership framework and book Ferocious Warmth help leaders find the balance between the head and the heart, results and relationships, strategy and culture. Find out more at www.traceyezard.com.