Here's how you can foster trust and rapport with your team using empathy in coaching sessions.

Demonstrate active listening by fully focusing and paraphrasing Express empathy by validating feelings and understanding perspectives Maintain strict confidentiality to create a safe space Use mirroring body language to build natural rapport Be reliable and accountable to your commitments Celebrate team members' successes to provide positive reinforcement

If you have to force empathy, then that shouldn't be your approach. Empathy is most effective when it is a genuine feeling. Be a real person.

It can be hard to walk in someone elses shoes, but empathy is doing just that. I often recommend people flip it to test it. If you were the employee, and faced with the challenges and resources they have, both personally as much as you know and professionally, what support would you need? This is a great way to practice empathy.

Empathy is about truly understanding and sharing the feelings of others. In coaching sessions, I focus on active listening. This means giving my full attention to the coachee, maintaining eye contact, and nodding to show I am engaged. I also use reflective listening, where I paraphrase what the coachee has said to ensure I have understood correctly. This helps them feel heard and valued. Additionally, I notice what’s going on for them physically and share my observation (with permission). For example: I noticed you just took a big sigh as you said that. I’m curious as to what was going on for you as that happened? This deepens my connection with them and builds trust.

Fostering trust and rapport with your team using empathy in coaching sessions involves understanding and connecting with their feelings and perspectives. In my coaching experience, I prioritize active listening and validating emotions to create a supportive environment. Sharing personal experiences where relevant helps build empathy and rapport. Tailoring coaching approaches to individual needs shows that their concerns are understood and respected. Encouraging open communication and being non-judgmental allows team members to express themselves freely. Providing constructive feedback with empathy reinforces trust and strengthens relationships. These practices help create a collaborative and empathetic team dynamic.

Active listening is the foundation of effective coaching. It shows genuine interest and respect. Skip the interruptions. Focus fully. Respond thoughtfully. This builds trust and strengthens rapport. Your team feels valued, heard, and understood. Simple, yet powerful.

Validating feelings is crucial in coaching. When a coachee shares their emotions, I acknowledge them without judgment. I might say, "It sounds like you're feeling really frustrated about this situation," to show I understand their emotional state. I check to see if there are any other feelings there. Rarely do emotions appear on their own. I avoid offering solutions, as this can make them feel unheard. Instead, I ask open-ended questions like, "Can you tell me more about how this is affecting you?" This approach helps them feel seen and respected, reinforcing their sense of belonging and safety in the coaching relationship.

To foster trust and rapport with your team using empathy in coaching sessions, prioritise active listening. Understand their challenges deeply by listening not just to words, but to emotions and underlying concerns. Reflect back what you hear to ensure mutual understanding. Then, offer concrete support tailored to each person’s needs—whether it’s providing resources, time for discussion, or assistance with problem-solving. This approach shows genuine care and commitment, building stronger bonds and trust within your team.

Encouraging vulnerability starts with modelling it myself. I challenge assumptions on needing to be perfect which allows the coachee to get perspective on the matter. I create a safe space by being non-judgmental and supportive, which helps coachees feel comfortable opening up. I also set clear boundaries and respect their comfort levels, never pushing them to share more than they are ready to. Regularly checking in on their emotional state and using humour and positivity can lighten the mood and make it easier for them to be vulnerable. This authenticity fosters a deeper, more meaningful connection.

One helpful practice is to actively seek feedback from your team after coaching sessions. This allows you to gauge how effective your empathetic approach was and identify areas for improvement. By listening to their perspectives, you can continuously refine your coaching style to better support their needs and strengthen trust and rapport.

Quando todos os lideres, incluindo eu, internalizamos essa abordagem, podemos transformar e arrastar multidão. Por exemplo, ao longo da minha jornada, tenho visto como líderes que adotam uma postura empática e de orientação conseguem inspirar suas equipes a alcançar resultados extraordinários. Meus “clientes internos” são um excelente exemplo disso: ao priorizarem o desenvolvimento pessoal de suas equipes e criarem um ambiente de confiança e colaboração, não apenas atingem metas de curto prazo, mas também cultivam um legado de liderança positiva e crescimento contínuo dentro da organização. Isso não só fortalece o vínculo entre líderes e colaboradores, mas também promove um ambiente de trabalho mais gratificante e produtivo para todos.