Worcester Business Journal

42 Worcester Business Journal | August 22, 2022 | wbjournal.com Practice more empathy G enerally, I need to watch and try something in order to learn, as I'm a visual and tactile learner. In most cases, I can't just listen and then do. is pertains to sports, when my coaches would show me and walk me through moves and plays, we had success! In discussions, and especially during debates, I process this way, too. I come to the table with some facts and ideas already honed, but as the debate unfolds, I think out loud in real time to meet my opposition. Admittedly, sometimes this works well and other times my words become redundant and circular. Either way, I learn, strengthen my postures, and improve going forward. Most people do better with practice and repetition. e learning and mastering of a con- cept is acquired over time. is is why marketing materials, including promo- tional letters, logos, and company mottos are prescribed to the public repeatedly; because over time, the words and images will be absorbed by the receiver, even if only subconsciously, and what was once dismissed will be received. To this end, as leaders we should be very intention- al about what we market. Who are we reaching? Who are we inviting in, and who are we leaving out? ere are many different ways to learn and process information. Valuing indi- viduals' differences and adapting accord- ingly is the stretch we must make. We need to recognize and teach to different learning styles and understand the com- plexities of neurodiversity; and that lived WITH BONNIE J. WALKER Outside the Box experiences bring a multitude of diverse viewpoints to any given idea, problem, situation, and innovation. is will propel us to do better together, at anything we navigate personally and professionally. We need connected systems to secure equity and to practice more empathy. e other night I watched Dave Chappelle's Netflix special, the last of a series: "Dave Chappelle: e Closer". Chappelle's astute social-political insights and commentary are pristine. Even if you don't agree with his politics or delivery, his analysis of race, and class, oppres- sion, and social conflict and justice is at times mesmerizing, if not genius. In an unforgiving cancel culture, where even Mr. Chappelle has been dragged, he has never wavered in his opposition to it. Rather, like most comedians, he cancels its premise, which is political correctness, to exquisitely dissect really challenging topics. Most of his commentary, whatever the headline topic, addresses racism and, at its root, anti-Blackness. He speaks on a number of social political topics and closes his act with the importance of centering empathy as a tool to elevate belonging for all, emphasizing human connection. He centers empathy not as a problem-solve for systemic and structural barriers, power imbalances and oppres- sion, but a tool to build from. Empathetic leaders value connect- ing with others; and they act beyond compassionate. Empathy is a wonder- ful human trait and a superpower in business. Empathetic leaders can better meet the needs of all of their employees, because they can better understand what they actually need. is is especially important when the needs of others in your organization do not overlap, let alone connect with your own needs. Without empathy, leaders can fall into the trap of only connecting with, grow- ing, supporting, establishing policies for, and meeting the needs of the people who are like them. is impacts the bottom line. Diverse employee bases and teams bolster greater innovation, creativity, and problem solving, leading to higher profits. Without more empathy, you will not sustain diversity in your organiza- tion. Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of another. is is not about feeling badly for others, it's not about feeling guilty, nor about being sorry or agreeing on something. Being empathetic is more important and harder to attain than compassion. It is about understanding and being sensitive to the feelings and needs of another person. Bonnie J. Walker is a diversity, equity, inclusion, justice, and belonging practitioner and consultant. W A MAJOR ANNIVERSARY... A NEW BUILDING... A MAJOR COMPANY MILESTONE Can we create a CUSTOM magazine for you? Whether it's the celebration of a major anniversary or the opening of a new headquarters, Worcester Business Journal's Custom Publishing Division can help you create a custom magazine for your business. Our division's top flight team of writers and designers can help you tell your story – and make your business look great! Based on our unique publishing model, it's surprisingly affordable. An advertising supplement to the Worcester Business Journal 25 Years in Service to the Community www.notredamehealthcare.org Making a Difference for 150 Years An advertising supplement to the Worcester Business Journal A T T L E B O R O N O R W O O D S T U R B R I D G E S W A N S E A 2 0 1 9 H O L I D A Y G I F T G U I D E Holiday Cheer Call WBJ Custom Corporate Project Director Christine Juetten at 508-755-8004 ext. 270. Worcester Business Journal WBJ Custom Publishing Division

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