Empathy & Leadership

With all the experience I’ve had in business and work in the last 20 years, I have learned that the best bosses, managers, and leaders were the ones that lead with empathy. When I say best, I don’t mean the easiest to work with, I mean the ones who actually pushed for personal growth alongside results for the organization. 

In business, leading with empathy is about understanding and caring for others, not just focusing on profits. When leaders show empathy, they create a friendly atmosphere where employees feel valued and happy.

Empathy means really listening to what employees have to say. It’s about making them feel heard and respected, which leads to better teamwork and more creative ideas.

Good leaders also understand that each person is different. They take time to know their employees and support them individually, helping everyone to do their best. It also means considering how decisions affect customers, stakeholders, partners and the community. This is what helps to create a positive company culture and a loyal brand following.

Studies show that businesses with empathetic leaders do better than their competitors. Happy employees stick around, saving the company time and money on hiring and training.

After being self-employed for a little over five years in the hospitality industry, I transitioned to a role with a large automotive corporation. I began as a Junior Finance Manager, then advanced to a Senior Business Manager role, and finally assumed the position of Assistant Director of Finance.

Transitioning from self-employment to this new role was scary. My first day jitters lasted months, but, to this day, I remember my boss who was so kind and empathetic, allowing me to make mistakes and grow into the role. Eventually, I became very confident in my role, and this confidence turned into new opportunities and more responsibility. 

His leadership style was one grounded in remembering that he too was new once upon a time, and that true power to guide results within a team lies not in fear, but in inspiration.

After he had moved onto a new role with another company, the team fell apart, and most of us drifted toward other opportunities.

I ended up being recruited to another automotive dealership group, and thus came my experience with a superior that did not lead with empathy. He believed in leading through fear and intimidation. He pressured us to meet sales targets, creating a toxic work environment where everyone was afraid to make mistakes. He promoted cutthroat competition, making collaboration difficult. 

Personally, I struggled to perform well under this style, feeling constantly criticized and pressured. Many talented salespeople left the company in search of a healthier work environment.

In my experience, some leaders, managers and bosses think being empathetic or kind is a sign of weakness. It is absolutely not. Leading with empathy is a sign of strength. It creates a supportive workplace where people feel valued and encouraged to do their best. 

With the power of empathy, not only will your business and team succeed, but you will be recognized as a great manager, and an inspiring leader.