Empathetic leadership during stressful times can be difficult to maintain but we have helped several executives practice empathetic leadership whilst overcoming obstacles and turning them into opportunities. 

Empathy isn’t an emotion it’s a choice that can be natural or learnt.  Thinking about a situation or event from someone else’s perspective can help to empathise with how they are feeling or experiencing.  Think of it like watching a movie, have you ever cried with the actor or jumped when the character was startled? Empathy is a mindset rather than an attribute. In a leadership role it is about encouraging and developing a team that can create solutions rather than telling your team how to solve the problems. 

Leading with empathy is about ensuring your team feel heard and valued.  It’s easy to lead by doing, but what if you lead by asking?  It changes the relationship and atmosphere within the team by making them feel valued and their opinions appreciated. It’s as simple as asking their thoughts and opinions and considering their answers when making decisions in the business.  

Putting yourself in their shoes to support empathetic pragmatism to navigate obstacles… have you ever looked at problem solving from this perspective?  Try it!  Leadership requires acknowledging the harsh realities that come with entrepreneurship and business but also keeping in mind the way decisions can affect the people in the business.  It’s a balance between compassion and decisiveness.  As a leader it is important to able to make decisions quickly but following the golden rule about treating others how you would like to be treated.  

Transparency and clarity though communication helps reassure your team if and when there are turbulent times. Think about travel disruption, the more transparent an airline or train line can be about the disruption the more cooperative the passengers are with travel arrangements. Sharing information gains confidence with a leader building the know, like, trust relationship.  Clearly articulating the company’s vision, direction and priorities ensures the team are onboard and supports the ‘why’ behind the company values.  Clarity within the team also includes clear goals and incentives so that performance a can be reviewed and rewarded.  Being empathetic and maintaining clarity within your team will help you lead to next level success. 

Thank you for reading, if this was useful please 🩷 and if it could help someone in your network, please share.

Thank you ~ Diana x