How a Leader Can Be More Sensitive to the Needs of Others - Part 1
How a Leader Can Be More Sensitive to the Needs of Others
Sensitivity means attentiveness to the humanity and stories of each person you lead. It means recognizing that everyone brings unique experiences, challenges, and strengths. When a leader values these qualities, it inspires trust, loyalty, and motivation that drive teams toward success and fulfillment. Being sensitive to the needs of others isn’t just a skill—it’s a mindset that can transform not only your leadership but the lives of everyone you lead.
Imagine how great it would be to be led by someone who genuinely cares about what’s happening in your life and work, checks in when you don’t seem right, or celebrates your wins, big or small. That’s the kind of leader everyone hopes for, and it’s something anyone can achieve if they’re open to being more sensitive. It’s not about knowing every detail of your team’s lives but about paying attention and being ready to listen. Sensitivity builds trust; from that trust, a motivated and loyal team can thrive. Let’s look at how you can develop this vital quality in your leadership journey.
1. Practice Active Listening
Being sensitive starts with listening. Good leaders tune in to their team members. This means they give their full attention to what someone is saying without cutting them off or jumping to conclusions. Active listening goes beyond words; it’s also about noticing tone, body language, and other nonverbal signals.
When a teammate comes to you with a problem, I want you to know they feel heard. The first step is to give them your full attention. With all the distractions, this seems like it takes some effort. Just put aside anything distracting, like your phone or computer. Please turn off notifications, and if you can, just shut your office door or find a quiet spot to chat without interruptions.
Physically Prepare to Listen
Being physically present matters when communicating. Start by getting on the same level as the person you're talking to. Stand with them if they’re standing; if they’re sitting, sit next to them instead of across the table. This setup helps make things feel less formal and encourages open conversation. Plus, keeping a relaxed, open posture shows you’re ready to listen, so try not to cross your arms or lean back—those moves can put up walls in communication.
Establish Eye Contact and Use Non-Verbal Cues
Keeping good eye contact is crucial when you're listening to someone. By looking right at the person speaking, you show that you're all in on the conversation. Try to avoid staring at your phone, the clock, or anything else that might distract you— doing so can make the other person feel like they don't matter. While making eye contact, throw in some nodding or lean in a bit to show you're interested. These little gestures can communicate that you care and encourage them to keep talking.
Demonstrate Engagement with Verbal Cues
Active listening is all about showing you’re paying attention, and that includes throwing in simple phrases like “I see,” “That makes sense,” or “I get it.” These little comments help keep the conversation going and let the other person know you’re engaged. Just try to hold off on interrupting with questions or solutions right away. Instead, let your teammate share everything they want to say first before you jump in.
Summarize and Reflect to Ensure Understanding
Once they've shared their worries, it’s better to check if you understood them right. This shows you listened and want to make sure everything's clear. An excellent way to do this is by summarizing what they said. You might say, “So, it sounds like you’re feeling stressed about the project deadlines and could use help. Did I get that right?” Reflecting on their thoughts confirms you’re on the same page and allows them to clarify or add more details. This step helps them feel like their feelings have been heard and respected.
Ask Open-Ended Follow-Up Questions if Necessary
If you think there’s more going on, ask questions that let them share more, like, “Is there anything else you want to talk about?” or “How's this affecting your daily work?” These questions help them dive deeper if they’re comfortable and give you a better idea of what’s bothering them.
