In this episode, our host, Erin talks with Matt Ohley, a Construction Manager at Ajax Paving in Tampa Florida, about the importance of empathy in the construction industry and how it can improve leadership. Matt shares his definition of empathy as walking in someone else’s shoes and understanding their perspective. Together they address the challenges to empathy, including ego and societal expectations. The show explores the role of emotions and gender in construction and the impact of shame on mental health. Matt provides examples of how putting oneself in someone else’s shoes can help navigate difficult situations in construction. He emphasizes the importance of daily practices, such as meditation and self-reflection, in developing empathy. Listeners can connect with Matt on LinkedIn.

Today on Tactical Empathy:

• Empathy is crucial in the construction industry and can improve leadership.
• Challenges to empathy in construction include ego, pride, and societal expectations.
• Emotions and gender play a role in how empathy is perceived in the industry.
• Shame can hinder vulnerability, and empathy is the antidote to shame.
• Putting oneself in someone else’s shoes can help navigate difficult situations in construction.
• Daily practices, such as meditation and breathwork, can help develop empathy muscles.

Connect with Matt Ohley:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-ohley-a89769107/

Connect with Erin:

• Instagram: @elthorp
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-thorp-speaker/
• Website: www.erinthorp.ca
• Inside Out Empathy: www.erinthorp.ca/insideout
• Freebie: 5 Practices to Build Empathy Skills