Over a decade ago, Cleveland Clinic created a video about leading with empathy called, “Empathy: The Human Connection to Patient Care.” It walks viewers through the rooms and hallways of a busy hospital, displaying captions that describe the range of experiences individual patients and staff are going through in that particular moment: “Just found out he’s going to be a dad;” "Husband is terminally ill;” "Nearing the end of a 12-hour shift;" "Tumor was benign." The video concludes by asking, “If you could stand in someone else's shoes ... Hear what they hear. See what they see. Feel what they feel. Would you treat them differently?”

This video struck a chord with me when I first saw it years ago, and it continues to shape the way I show up for my team as a leader. We all have our own captions—challenges, joys, stressors and dreams—that are constantly changing and not always apparent to the people around us. Great leaders learn to pay attention to what’s going on beneath the surface and create a safe space for others to share their experiences. Emotional intelligence and adaptability are two vital characteristics that all leaders must intentionally develop and put into practice. I have found the following three best practices invaluable in my own growth as a leader.

1. Be Fully Present to Lead with Empathy

When you’re talking to a colleague or direct report, make an effort to give them your full, undivided attention. Block out any distractions and actively listen, tuning in to what they are expressing, both verbally and nonverbally. If you sense something is bothering them, gently acknowledge and restate what you are hearing or observing. Ask noninvasive questions that give them the chance to share more details if they wish. Your objective here isn't to offer advice, but simply to make them feel seen, heard and valued. You can't solve every problem, but you can lead with empathy.

Read the full article about leading with empathy by Matthew Warren at Forbes.