As the world navigates disruptive times, empathy has never been a more critical leadership virtue. In fact, it may be the only way forward, because what affects one of us affects all of us. By taking steps to cultivate our empathy, we tap into our shared humanity and potential. We move closer to solutions and societies that work for everyone. Empathy lights the path forward in a positive, caring, and empowering manner.
In my line of work, you know you have tapped into a genuine problem when you encounter disproportionate emotions. There have been many times when I have sat across from someone and watched them break down. I learned a long time ago to let the other individual have their moment and not try to downplay or negate their emotion. You do not make someone feel better by making them feel embarrassed or disappointed about their feelings.
We have all met people who seem to argue for the sake of arguing. Some people seem to need to find flaws in everything or disagree just to be disagreeable. It is one thing to have a different point of view. It’s quite another to always default to having a unique perspective. Being objectively critical and becoming a crank are sometimes separated by a fine line.
There are few things more unappealing than someone trying to be something they are not. If your actions aren’t genuine, people notice it right away. This doesn’t mean that you have a license to behave any way you choose, but every individual should strive to tap into the better aspects of their own nature.
Nothing is more distasteful to employees than a boss who has no emotional control over their own emotions. People look to their leader to lead with confidence and resoluteness, not to “suffer the slings and arrows” of their emotional ups and downs. Of course, there will be adversity and disappointment – that’s part of any job. However, what separates great leaders from everyone else is that they remain calm under pressure and possess an unflappable nature when things go wrong.
Whether it’s at work or at home, we should all strive to cultivate friendships and support one another along the way. The road can get rocky at times, and you want to have others there to catch you if you stumble or fall. You’ll also need their helping hands and shoulders to stabilize you as you climb the next rung up the ladder.
Take stock of the people you spend the most time with, both personally and professionally. Make a conscious choice to maximize the time spent with the brightest, happiest, most capable, and successful individuals you know. Avoid negative influences whenever possible.
Emotions aren’t bad they just need to be appropriate to the situation and managed accordingly. In my experience, people often won’t trust or have other concerns about a leader or colleague who is devoid of emotion and seemingly stoic in all situtaions.
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