Why empathy is a skill, not a personality trait with Liesel Mertes

Work in Progress

We’ve all been through something challenging.

But when it comes to knowing what to say, or do, when someone else is struggling- that’s not always easy. You know the feeling— the deep ache of not knowing what to say or do, or being exhausted from trying to fix everyone else’s problems.

Liesel Mertes, founder of Handle with Care Consulting and a workplace empathy expert, talks about how to show up for others when life gets messy. Whether you’re a leader trying to support your team or a colleague who doesn’t want to say the wrong thing, Liesel offers a thoughtful take on empathy as a skill, not a personality trait. She shares tools and practices that can help us become better at navigating sensitive conversations.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why empathy is a skill that anyone can learn
• How to maintain boundaries while being supportive
• Ways to offer meaningful support in difficult times

Highlights:

(00:00) Meet Liesel Mertes

(00:50) Empathy is a skill

(07:31) Being a workplace “first responder”

(12:00) How to offer genuine support

(18:11) The difference between fortitude and resilience

(22:25) Tools for empathy-forward workplaces

(27:37) Being intentional with empathy

Resources:

Liesel’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lieselmertes/

Liesel’s website: https://www.lieselmertes.com/

Gayle’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gaylekalvert/