Strategic empathy

Strategic empathy:

Strategy to persuade effectively, even in difficult situations. Empathy, because only genuine persuasion lasts.

Strategic empathy strengthens persuasion and provides foresight. With your rational goal in sight and the emotional apple of insight in hand, you lead through an appealing message — so enticing that others simply have to follow it. Modern cognitive research and behavioural economics demonstrate that humans are not purely rational beings. As Nobel laureate Daniel Kahnemann describes in his book “Thinking, Fast and Slow”, we are guided by more than reason. Intuition, values and attitudes play an important role in our decisions. Lilit’s method of strategic empathy through changing perspectives uses this insight and years of experience training politicians and managers for effective communication. The apple of insight symbolises strategic empathy: appealing and guiding.

Three arguments for strategic empathy:

1. Understanding our subconscious influences makes us immune to simplistic answers. This applies in business communication and culturally demanding situations alike. It prompts us to examine and develop our position intellectually. 2. Strategic empathy brings together rational thinking and analysis of emotions. This helps us achieve our goals. As a logical tool, it unleashes our inner Macchiavelli, who coolly points the right way. As an empathetic approach, it lets us listen to our inner Counselor Deanne Troi, who shows us the world through others‘ eyes. Combining these schools of thought gives us a decisive advantage over competitors, as we learn to analyse people holistically: employees, voters and clients, whether from our own or another culture. 3. As a leadership tool, strategic empathy gives the decisive advantage in close decisions. This makes it important in negotiations and political elections. It reveals solutions that earn respect and help us save face, especially in difficult situations such as an international assignment, but also when managing disputes. Strategic empathy is a good adviser in conflicts. It helps us bring business clients and staff back on board as long-term partners. Curious? Explore our seminars and training. Those interested in persuasive communication will also find material on our blog: our article on nonverbal communication and our series on manipulation and dark rhetoric, with strategies against bluffers, provocation, loaded questions and name-dropping. Find your topic