![\"management](\"https:\/\/www.marketingforsuccess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/04\/management-tips.jpg\" "\\"management")
<\/a><\/p>\n“You mean, I won’t get a replacement?”<\/p>\n
“Not until we hear from the supplier.”<\/p>\n
“How long will that be?”<\/p>\n
“Well, maybe 10 or 14 days…”<\/p>\n
“But I’m in a race this weekend…”<\/p>\n
“I’m sorry, sir. That’s the best I can do…”<\/p>\n
In the second shop, the conversation went something like this.<\/p>\n
“It’s ridiculous to pay all that when he’ll probably have outgrown them by the end of the season.”<\/p>\n
“I agree,” Eric replied, as he fastened the boot around the youngster’s left foot. “It does seem crazy to spend so much, when, as you say, he may only get a season out of them. Would you like me to show you something less expensive?”<\/p>\n
“Well, it depends on the quality,” replied the anxious mother.<\/p>\n
“I know what you mean,” Eric answered. “The quality’s OK in the other boot. My worry would be more around width. This young man has a really wide foot and the less expensive boot could lead to blistering.”<\/p>\n
“Well, I guess we’ll just have to bite the bullet then, won’t we?” she replied, patting her son’s shoulder. “We’ll take the first pair.”<\/p>\n
These two stories illustrate the magic of empathy.<\/p>\n
When you put yourself into another person’s shoes, (pun intended!), and understand their needs, feelings, and situations, you create a kind of rapport that is like a lightning rod of instant communication.<\/p>\n
When that happens, people trust you because you’re with them, not against them.<\/p>\n
Whether you’re a sales assistant, store manager, team leader, departmental head, or number one guy on the block, learn to empathize.<\/p>\n
It’s the number one communication skill around.<\/p>\n
– Eric<\/em><\/p>\n