Employing Empathy In Leadership
In this present day world, leadership is often mistaken for control. What a lot of people do not understand is that leadership is not just about having authority, but having a heart for humanity. You do not need to command people to prove that you are a leader, rather you need to connect with them. By connecting with them, empathy will flow naturally. The reason why you are occupying one form of leadership position or the other, is not just to prove that you are better than everyone else, but it is a way to help people become a better version of themselves, and relate with them with empathy and humanity.
In relation to leadership, empathy simply means having an understanding of the feelings of the teammates, knowing their challenges, seeing things from their perspective, and making decisions having them in mind - that is, decisions that will be born out of logic and compassion. You also have to understand that as a leader, being empathetic is not a sign of weakness, rather it is actually a form of emotional strength. A leader who is always willing to listen deeply and critically to their teammates, and respond to them with empathy, will naturally attract their trust, followership, and attention. They will be motivated to follow you naturally without having to force them.
I have come to realise that when you work under a leader who cares about the welfare of the followers, you will tend to perform better. This is because there is a kind of "psychological safety" that comes through empathy. That is, the teammates will know that they are safe with their leader, and as such, they will go even beyond their limit to do their required tasks. When you take care of your followers, they will also take their tasks as priority, and they will be more productive in the organisation. But if you treat them "anyhow," you will get an anyhow result, and productivity will dwindle. Trust me, there is a place that someone will be working and they will even be willing to sacrifice their life for the company and even for their leader. This is what being a good leader can earn you.
As an empathetic leader, you will not have to beg for support or even coerce people to follow you, you will naturally earn it without forcing it. As a matter of fact, if you have to force people to follow you, then you are not even a good leader in the first place. With a heart of empathy as a leader, your team will be more collaborative, supportive, innovative, productive, and resilient. You will agree with me that there may be times that you will not feel like working, but there is a way you will be motivated by your leader and you will see yourself being energized to work. Even the times that you may take a step and make mistakes, you will not be totally condemned, rather you will be encouraged to become better.
To be an empathetic leader is not a gift. In fact, that you are given a leadership position does not mean that you are gifted the leadership qualities, you are the one that need to take your time and develop yourself. You may not have the answers or the solutions that they seek, but at least you will be present for them, let them feel belonged, tell them "I see you, I understand you." Then try to also make them to feel valued and part of a team that appreciates their input. Allow them to contribute their ideas, opinions and even observations. They may not be making sense to you, but it does not mean that you will not give them listening ears.
When you are in a position of power or in authority or while at a top position, even when you are dealing with people, you have to bring your humanity into perspective. Moreover, power can be transient and the people you are leading today may ascend tomorrow into a leadership position. I have seen people who grew to lead who they once served under. So while leading, you have to understand that tomorrow is pregnant with infinite possibilities - so do not burn bridges, rather build them. Being an empathetic leader will make you to be remembered for good even when you have been long gone.
Thanks for reading
