Meet Meghann Gotcher

We recently connected with Meghann Gotcher and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Meghann, so excited to have you with us today and we are really interested in hearing your thoughts about how folks can develop their empathy? In our experience, most folks want to be empathic towards others, but in a world where we are often only surrounded by people who are very similar to us, it can sometimes be a challenge to develop empathy for others who might not be as similar to us. Any thoughts or advice?

A few things that helped me to be more empathetic to those around me was active listening, not just listening to respond. But listening to understand. Giving my full and undivided attention to the other person trying to convey their thought, opinion or feeling. Then validating them in that moment. Letting them know that I did truly care about what they were saying. Paying attention to body language is another helpful queue when trying to become more empathetic. Watching the facial expressions or maybe nervous gestures. Then helping to ease their mind by explaining different or just asking “is everything okay” or “do you have anything you want to add…” Asking questions is important as well because in order to know how someone feels or what they’re thinking you need to ask them. Gaining feedback in a way that they feel they’re being understood and heard. Being honest with them, sharing what you have learned from your own experiences in order to help them. But also to show them they are not alone at all in this. Seeking opportunities to practice empathy, like volunteering for something that is important to you. Donating your time to a cause that resonates with you.

I was a foster parent for 4 years, in that time I learned to have empathy for the world around me. You never know what someone else is going through or what can trigger them in a moment. Through foster care I adopted two amazing kids. I have watched them grow and learn and I have taught them how to handle their own emotions and reactions. Understanding my children’s lives and being able to help validate them or help them navigate through hard feelings has honestly probably been the biggest impact for me to understand how to be empathetic. How to look at things through someone else’s eyes or someone else’s experience !

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

My name is Meghann and I have been with Sport Clips for the last 8 years – going on 9! I started as a stylist and worked my way up as a manager and now area manager. At sport clips I have really fell in love with the company because of our values. They align with my own. But also the fact that everyone is so empowering and uplifted and really wants to see you succeed. I have been an area leader for the last 4 and a half years. I love the opportunity I have to not only help give amazing experiences to our clientele but also be able to create an amazing culture for the people I work with.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Active listening
Being curious and helpful
Giving your time to the people you lead

To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?

My parents owned a business that opened when I was 11. I started working for them at a very early age. They taught me how to be responsible, how to treat others, how to have a servants heart and most importantly how to build relationships with the people around me.

Without my parents I would not be the person, parent or leader that I am today.