Exciting things are coming to Leadership Lessons as I’ve sent out the first batch of interview requests. Soon we’ll all be able to learn from the leaders I have the pleasure of knowing and working with.
If you’re interested in being interviewed for Leadership Lessons, please reply to this email, leave a comment, or send me a message and I’ll add you to my list of prospects. Leaders of all disciplines and experience are welcome to apply.
Last week was tough to crank out a newsletter as I had a lot of work AND personal things going on. I believe a nice break was in order as I gathered my thoughts and made plans to continue this newsletter journey. In addition to sending these letters directly to your inbox, I’m considering sharing these messages on LinkedIn and/or Medium.com. I’m interested in your opinions and will take them into consideration.
Leading with Empathy and Authority
I’ve come across countless stories of employees who left their jobs due to insensitivity or a lack of empathy from their leaders. These leaders were either too focused on asserting their authority or unwilling to listen to their team members. Striking a balance between empathy and authority is crucial for leaders to maintain their humanity while also earning respect.
Understanding Empathy in Leadership
Empathy in leadership involves genuinely caring about the lives, challenges, and emotions of your coworkers or employees. An empathetic leader builds connections that foster deeper trust and mutual understanding. This approach enables leaders to view their team members as individuals, responding to their needs in a humane way.
Empathy creates a foundation of trust and rapport among team members. When employees know that their leader values their well-being, they feel more comfortable being themselves, even when facing personal challenges. By practicing empathy, leaders can strengthen their connections with the team and ultimately drive better outcomes.
Spotting the Signs and Taking Action
Sometimes, an employee might appear off-kilter, presenting an opportunity for empathy. By genuinely asking how they're doing, you demonstrate that you see them as more than just a worker. I often reassure my team that it's alright to take a few minutes off if they're dealing with personal issues. After all, life doesn't always stay outside the office door.
The Necessity of Authority
While empathy is a vital leadership trait, some leaders worry that being too empathetic could undermine their authority. This misconception can lead to losing valuable team members. Gaining trust and respect while maintaining authority is an integral part of leadership. Team members should understand that leaders are in charge, and non-compliance may lead to consequences.
Overcompensating with fear tactics due to a lack of empathy is a counterproductive approach. This behavior often stems from past negative experiences, leading some leaders to withhold empathy to preserve their authority. In my role, I balance empathy with authority by guiding my team's workload while also being understanding of life situations.
Striking the Balance
Balancing empathy and authority involves assessing the situation. Is the team facing a personal challenge? Empathy may be the right approach. Is the team straying from its goals? Asserting authority might be necessary to realign the focus.
Being adaptable and perceptive is key. Effective leaders understand both themselves and their teams, adjusting their leadership style based on individual and collective needs.
Practical Tips for New Leaders
Build Personal Connections: Get to know your team members as individuals. Remembering personal details like their loved ones' names or hobbies can make interactions more enjoyable and compassionate.
Set Clear Expectations: Clearly define goals and expectations. This clarity not only establishes authority but also provides a sense of purpose and direction for the team.
Celebrate Achievements: Acknowledge achievements, no matter how small. Recognizing a job well done shows empathy and reinforces your authority in a positive way.
Address Challenges Together: Face challenges head-on as a team. This demonstrates both authority and empathy as you work collaboratively to find solutions.
Prioritize Well-Being and Goals: Every decision you make impacts your team's lives. Consider their well-being and objectives, balancing empathy with your duty as a leader.
Balancing empathy and authority requires finesse, but it's an essential skill for effective leadership. As we navigate this journey together, let's remember that leadership is a continuous process of growth and learning.