Use the L.I.S.T.E.N. strategy to cultivate empathy in team meetings: L – Look for non-verbal cues and emotions. I – Inquire with open-ended questions to understand perspectives. S – Suspend judgment to create a safe space for dialogue. T – Tune in to emotions by acknowledging feelings. E – Echo key points to show understanding and validation. N – Navigate solutions collaboratively with respect. Empathy starts with listening—actively and intentionally!

In team meetings, embracing diverse perspectives can drive innovation and growth. Here are my suggested approaches to fostering empathy: Encourage storytelling by getting team members to share their unique experiences & viewpoints. This builds a richer understanding of diverse backgrounds. You can also put in place a system to rotate roles. Have team members occasionally take on different roles or responsibilities. This fosters appreciation for various challenges and perspectives. Create a safe space by establishing an environment where everyone feels comfortable expressing their thoughts without judgment.

The following has always helped me build empathy in team meetings: Listen Carefully – Pay attention to what others say and ask questions to understand them better. Create a Safe Space – Encourage open discussions where everyone feels comfortable sharing their thoughts. Respect Different Opinions – Even if you disagree, show that you value others’ viewpoints. Ask Thoughtful Questions – Instead of assuming, ask things like, “What do you think?” or “What worries you about this?” Put Yourself in Their Shoes – Try to see things from their perspective, considering their challenges and work situations. Use Clear and Friendly Language – Avoid complicated terms or words that might make others feel left out.

Truly hearing different perspectives without judgment. Create a safe space where everyone feels valued by encouraging open dialogue and acknowledging diverse viewpoints. Ask thoughtful questions to understand motivations and challenges, showing genuine curiosity and respect. Practice patience and assume positive intent, even when opinions differ. Summarize key points to ensure clarity and alignment. Most importantly, lead by example—demonstrate empathy in your responses, and others will follow. A team that feels heard and understood is a team that thrives.

These seem like two different (but related) sentences. Firstly: why are you navigating diverse perspectives in team meetings? Do you have somewhere to go? I’d usually encourage listening, conversing, synthesising and effectively sense-making so that pathways to meaningful progress might reveal themselves more clearly. Empathy is vital, of course. Don’t fall prey to The Dark Triad. A great way to cultivate empathy is to live a rich and varied life. Read, listen, learn. Let yourself feel the feelings—including the sad ones or the otherwise ‘bad’ ones. Don’t force positivity, optimism, or cheer. Adopt the disposition of a poet. Be moved. Have a vivid appreciation for life, as well as genuine interest and warmth for all around you.