Empathy is the ability to relate to and understand other people — a superpower in the corporate world. Leaders who demonstrate empathy create a positive workplace for everyone to excel and produce outstanding results.
Only some individuals possess empathetic tendencies innately. Fortunately, empathy can also be a learned trait. Below, discover how compassionate leadership is a strength, learn about some of the most renowned companies with empathetic leaders and practice how to cultivate empathy for yourself.
Empathetic Leadership: Is It a Strength or Weakness?
Many leaders believe empathy makes them appear "soft" or is a sign of weakness, but they couldn't be more wrong. Empathy equates to emotional intelligence — a person who can balance empathy and stay focused on driving results exudes the ultimate strength as a leader.
Leaders don't sacrifice control and accountability when showing employees compassion. Instead, they begin viewing them as human beings and treating them respectfully and kindly.
In a 2022 Gartner survey, 90% of human resource managers said today's leaders must home in on the human facets of leadership. According to a follow-up survey, only 29% of employees said their company exhibited effective, empathetic leadership.
Innate empathy is rare. Some people even believe it's an unnecessary trait. However, 73% of Americans say the world would be a better place if everyone were more empathetic. More importantly, empathy can prove exceedingly beneficial in the workplace.
The Benefits of Empathetic Leadership
Traditionally, there's been a disconnect between leadership and employees. Leaders tend to forget those beneath them are human beings. Yet, meeting employees with empathy and generosity in a reeling post-pandemic, inflation-wary economy goes a long way.
Teams demonstrate higher job satisfaction and performance when they feel valued, respected and heard by managers. Meanwhile, empathetic leaders can inspire innovation and success by cultivating a healthy, cohesive and kind work culture.
Some of the benefits of empathetic leadership include:
- Improved communication, engagement and collaboration among employees
- Higher retention rates and the ability to attract top talent
- Improved employee morale
- Maximum productivity
- Enhanced productivity with better work-life balance
- Improved conflict resolution and problem-solving
A business run by an empathetic leader is like a well-oiled machine. Tasks get done, teams get along, customers are happier and companies can fulfill their missions. However, balancing your empathy output is crucial to avoid emotional overload. Look for ways to set boundaries while remaining compassionate and pleasant.
3 Successful Companies With Empathetic Leaders
Some might find this form of leadership in action enlightening. Fortunately, several successful corporations have empathetic leaders to set an example. Here are three you might be familiar with.
1. Microsoft
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella recognizes the importance and rarity of empathetic leadership. In his eyes, downplaying it as a soft skill only hinders business success. This is because empathy is a difficult skill for most people to master. Yet, Nadella says empathetic leadership fosters workplace connection and helps teams understand customer needs.
So, how did Nadella become the empathetic leader he is today? Caring for a son with a disability — who passed away in 2022 — taught him patience and compassion. His experiences with his son shaped how he demonstrates empathy for people outside his family, particularly across Microsoft's workforce.
Today, Microsoft encourages and supports employees in developing personal projects and empowers their sense of purpose.
2. Procter & Gamble
CEO of Fabric and Home Care at Procter & Gamble (P&G), Sundar Raman, also knows a thing or two about empathetic leadership.
In his view, empathy at work looks like openly communicating in a safe environment, delivering professional development and rewarding employees for their contributions. Employees shouldn't have to walk on eggshells or feel intimidated about sharing ideas.
Most importantly, he says, P&G focuses on diversity and inclusion. Raman shares Giuseppe Berardone's story as an example — the company's Product Supply Global Innovation Vice President. Berardone found support and camaraderie from his colleagues when he announced he was a part of the LGBTQ+ community. Today, he's a role model and sponsor for gender and sexuality diversity in P&G.
3. KIND
With a company name like KIND, it's little surprise its founder, Daniel Lubetzky, encourages empathetic leadership. He learned empathy at a young age as the child of a Holocaust survivor, always searching for ways to dodge hostility and discrimination.
Lubetzky doesn't compromise kindness for a competitive approach to business. Instead, KIND encourages friendly debate for greater brainstorming and active listening.
The company also recognizes employees who've exceeded expectations by showing kindness throughout the organization. For Lubetzky and KIND, receiving this distinction is an incredible honor, more so than meeting a sales goal.
Fostering Empathetic Leadership at Work
So, how can a leader tap into empathy? If you aren't born with it, you can learn it. However, empathy is a long-term practice requiring continuous efforts. Leaders can become empathetic by doing the following:
- Master active listening.
- Ask clarifying questions to show you're listening to someone speaking.
- Cultivate self-awareness.
- Show your own vulnerabilities to demonstrate your humanity.
- Foster an inclusive work culture.
- Be authentic — demonstrate genuine care for employees' well-being and happiness.
- Create a work environment with open, transparent and respectful communication.
- Give support and guidance when employees face challenges at home or work.
- Provide teams with professional development to help them grow.
- Reward hard work and celebrate teams' achievements.
- Ask for employee feedback.
Redefining Leadership With Compassion
Today's best leaders have a "people first" attitude and can work well with everyone, regardless of background, experience, department or perspective. When it comes to nurturing workplace culture, empathetic leadership delivers positive outcomes.
