What role does empathy play in team building, and how can it be nurtured to strengthen team bonds and performance?

ANSWER: Empathy is pivotal in team building as it fosters understanding and trust among members, leading to stronger connections and a supportive culture. It encourages open communication, eases conflict resolution, and facilitates collaboration by allowing teammates to see from others’ perspectives. Empathy can be nurtured through active listening exercises, sharing personal stories, engaging in role-reversal scenarios, and offering regular team-building activities focused on emotional intelligence. Cultivating an empathic environment improves team performance by creating a cohesive, motivated, and resilient group.