Empathy & Leadership: The Perfect Pair

Empathetic Leadership is rare.

In the business world, where big decisions are often based on systematic goals and tactical objectives, empathy can be quickly forgotten. This environment is where selfish, close-minded leaders feel most alive. Often poisoned with narcissism, powerful leaders often lack the awareness of their business falling victim to a toxic workplace. This breeds failure. Sometimes, the most powerful and influential executives can lack basic self-awareness. They’re so concerned with individual results that they forget what it means to be human and part of a team. Sometimes, it’s important to take a step back, realize where changes need to be made, and act. Bad leaders will poison their environment until they drive all of the best workers out of the company. A business can self-destruct quickly when empathy and motivation are low. Sometimes, a powerful title can be a bad leader’s undoing.

However, an empathetic leader can develop a culture where compassion and understanding are essential to the long-term success of the business. When you genuinely care about your employees, the turnover rate is reduced, happiness improves worker productivity and heightened self-esteem can bring an opportunity for growth. This is when a business or organization can thrive. Skilled leaders are self-aware, and understand that you’re not always the smartest in the room. You give your employees room to showcase their skills and give them the tools needed to perform at the highest level. If someone needs a day off, let them have a day off free from all punishment. If it was a bad day, give a pep talk. If it was a good day, give thanks to everyone involved. This is the difference between a good company culture and a toxic one. I will never work for the latter.

“Leadership is not so much about technique and methods as it is about opening the heart. Leadership is about inspiration – of oneself and of others. Great leadership is about human experiences, not processes. Leadership is not a formula or a program, it is a human activity that comes from the heart and considers the hearts of others. It is an attitude, not a routine.” – Lance Secretan, Author & Management Consultant