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Good morning. Today, we're focused on a crucial aspect of skilled nursing leadership: enhancing employee engagement and retention through perspective and empathy. Inspired by the quote, "In leadership, perspective means understanding another's thoughts. Empathy, however, elevates this understanding. It involves grasping the emotions and experiences that shape these thoughts and stepping into their shoes to comprehend these underlying feelings deeply," let's explore how these elements can be pivotal in creating a more cohesive and dedicated workforce in skilled nursing facilities.
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Today's article is inspired by a recent LinkedIn post by James Lee where he dives into how perspective trumps perception. He's spot on and today we're taking it to the next level and talking about how empathy takes the cake.
perception < perspective < empathy
Here is the post. Give him a follow on LinkedIn when you're done reading today's newsletter.
The Interplay of Perspective and Empathy in Employee Engagement
1. Understanding Through Perspective - Perspective in leadership is about grasping the thought processes of your team members. It's recognizing their professional viewpoints, ideas, and suggestions. This understanding is fundamental in aligning your team's goals with the operational objectives of the facility.
2. Connecting Through Empathy - Empathy goes a step further. It's about connecting with the emotional and experiential aspects of your team. When leaders empathize, they not only understand what their employees think but also feel the underlying emotions driving these thoughts. This emotional connection fosters a more supportive and understanding work environment.
Strategies for Enhancing Engagement and Retention:
- Empathetic Communication: Establish regular, open communication channels. This allows for a deeper understanding of what your employees are going through, both professionally and personally.
- Training for Empathetic Leadership: Provide training that focuses on developing empathetic skills among the leadership. This training can include active listening, emotional intelligence, and effective communication strategies.
- Employee Support Programs: Develop programs that offer support in areas identified as priority by your staff, such as mental health, work-life balance, and professional development.
- Recognition and Appreciation: Regularly acknowledge and appreciate your staff's hard work and dedication. Recognition can be a powerful motivator and can strengthen employee loyalty.
- Inclusive Decision Making: Involve employees in decision-making processes, especially those directly affecting their work. This inclusion demonstrates respect for their perspective and fosters a sense of ownership and belonging.
- Feedback and Action: Actively seek and act upon feedback from employees. This shows that their opinions are valued and considered in shaping the work environment.
TLDR:
By combining perspective with empathy, leaders in skilled nursing can create a more engaged and committed workforce. Understanding your team's thoughts and feelings leads to a deeper connection, which is essential for employee satisfaction and retention. As we cultivate these skills in our leadership practices, we not only enhance the work environment but also positively impact the overall quality of care provided in our facilities. Let’s aim not just to understand our teams but to connect with them on a deeper, more empathetic level.
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