Everything is Negotiable: The Art of Empathy and Communication
At Starcycle, we have the privilege of meeting, and working with, repeat founders who understand first-hand the highs and lows of the entrepreneurial journey. We invite them to share their stories and the hard-earned lessons they've gathered along the way with the founder community at large.
Dave Rosen is the former CEO of WIMO Games, with 22 years of leadership experience in video games, media, and tech.
When most leaders think of empathy in communication, they think of the interactions with their team members or leadership peers.
However, leaders also need to think about emotionally connected communication with their business partners — especially for companies going through the ups and downs of startup life.
What does empathic communication look like? Emotionally connected conversations involve fostering a true human connection, and taking the time to understand the other person’s goals, priorities, and passions. It means slowing down and trusting that time spent getting to know the person will ultimately serve the business.
Where do you need that type of connection? Ideally, you are communicating this way with everyone you work with. However, investors, partner organizations, and vendors are all critical to your success. In some cases, these may be individual partners like a single investor; in other cases, they might be the person who represents a much larger organization. Even when working with the largest vendors, there is great value in a connected relationship with your account manager.
Does this really matter? Absolutely! If you create business relationships that are purely transactional, you have very little flexibility. Having authentic relationships with people means they will also be invested in your success and more willing to support you when challenging times happen. Flexibility from partners, or their active involvement in hunting solutions, can be the difference that extends your runway and keeps the business going.
How do you communicate in a connected way? Take the time to ask questions, and be in listening mode at least as often as you are speaking. Look for values alignment before you start working together and talk about each person's goals up front. Don’t be afraid to also share your worries and challenges, or tell them when something isn’t going as planned.
Success as a startup means you will have hard conversations. What no investor, partner or vendor wants is to be surprised by bad news or big changes. Communicating in a way that builds human connection reduces the fear of sharing hard news, lets you discuss it in a way that considers both people’s goals, and increases your chance of success.
Disclaimer:
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Starcycle, Inc., nor does contributing as an author establish or imply a client relationship with Starcycle, Inc.