logo
The Role Of Empathy In Effective Leadership

The Role Of Empathy In Effective Leadership

Forbes16-07-2025
As workplaces become even more diverse and inclusive, empathy has emerged as a critical skill for leaders seeking to foster collaboration, innovation, and trust.
Depending on where you look, the world seems more divided than ever before. In many ways, society's love of individualism has isolated us. Combined with the hyper-tailored tech algorithms, this has created more siloed conversations and polarizing viewpoints. With such a system to navigate, it's no surprise that empathy for your fellow man isn't often prioritized.
But the truth is that a mass turn to empathy is necessary at this juncture. Nothing will come of dehumanizing others. Now more than ever, we must harness the power of human connection to guide meaningful change, and those in leadership positions can lead the way with their actions.
I'd like to share my views on the power of empathy in leadership. As workplaces become even more diverse and inclusive, empathy has emerged as a critical skill for leaders seeking to foster collaboration, innovation, and trust.
Let's explore this concept and a few ways you can be a more empathetic and effective leader.
Recognize that you set the tone. To maintain good working relationships with others, you must be willing to understand their experiences and perspectives. As we all know, everyone sees the world through a different lens. Even if you don't fully align with others' worldviews, as a leader, you must create an environment where individuals feel heard and respected.
Your actions can open the door to more harmonious and collaborative teams. An empathic leader will often be seen doing the following:
Still unsure if you're creating an understanding environment for your team? Ask them! This can be the first step in fostering honest, open discussions geared towards supporting and understanding one another better.
Operate with perspective and cultivate inclusive practices. In a way, empathy is being able to see through the eyes of others. Many of the unspoken rules of the corporate world are based on the experience of white males in the workforce.
Considering the countless other demographics in the modern workforce, most of these nuances or patterns are outdated, exclusionary, counterproductive, and even harmful to some people. Can you identify any unspoken rules you enforce or adhere to within your career?
Sometimes, they are hard to spot right away. In my research as a DEI professional, I've encountered many unspoken cultural rules that don't consider the perspective of diverse groups.
Here are three examples, although many others could be identified:
By trying to understand the nuances of diverse groups, leaders can eliminate problematic trends like this and tailor their leadership styles to be more inclusive.
Encourage others to ask questions. The absence of curiosity or push-back helps maintain the status quo, which keeps us stuck. To make real change, you must allow everyone to provide insight into what needs improvement in the first place. If someone has an idea about how things could be done better or differently, encourage them to use their voice and talk to others about their ideas.
This kind of collaborative approach fosters more employee engagement, innovation, and stronger teams. While it may result in some uncomfortable conversations, my experience shows me that those are the discussions we need to have the most often. Meaningful and lasting change can only happen if those with vision are empowered to use their voices.
Empathetic leaders create more harmonious workplaces and inspire their teams to perform better. Creating an atmosphere of acceptance and understanding sets the stage for healthier dynamics. In questioning the status quo, you root out any counterproductive trends in company culture that need addressing.
Amplifying diverse voices promotes innovation and paves the way for a more welcoming workplace for all.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Can My Boss Bring His ‘Situationship' to Hang Out All Day at the Office?
Can My Boss Bring His ‘Situationship' to Hang Out All Day at the Office?

New York Times

time7 hours ago

  • New York Times

Can My Boss Bring His ‘Situationship' to Hang Out All Day at the Office?

The Office Pet My boss, whom I love as a dear friend, has taken to bringing his 'situationship' (a.k.a. not his partner or boyfriend) into the office to 'work.' (This man is not an employee of the company.) Sometimes it is two full days a week, and the 'sitch' will often sit at my desk, where private documents kept or sensitive phone calls with sources are taking place. (We work with highly sensitive information on a global scale.) Here's a typical day: He'll be signed in around 9 a.m., work unsupervised, or sometimes wander about. He'll take calls and enjoy the meager company snacks. He'll keep clothes and shoes at vacant desks. Sometimes I'll get word he is in the office and will turn around and go home. My boss has a high position in the company and is beloved. His boss sits on another floor and has an immensely stressful job. People who sit near my boss are fed up with this annoying — at best — behavior. At worst, it is a gross abuse of power. But they are afraid to report. I privately reported to two higher-ups (not his boss), and nothing was done. I don't want him to get in trouble, but this has gone on for over six months and it is affecting my sanity! — Anonymous I'm not sure there's a way to save your sanity without getting your boss 'in trouble,' or, at the very least, creating a certain amount of tension. Though I understand that he is a 'dear friend,' the situation is causing you so much consternation that you've already taken steps to privately report him. This suggests to me that the situation is unsustainable. What you don't say in your letter is why you haven't said anything to your boss directly. Why not try this tactic? I'm curious whether your objections are moral, personal, ethical or all of the above. Is it the mere presence of the situationship in your work space that you take issue with? Is it a personality issue with the individual himself? The answers to these questions should help you determine what steps to take next, or how to communicate your displeasure. For example, personal objections, however real, are not worth bringing into the discussion with your boss. But your concerns about privacy and personal work space are, and should be communicated. Rather than suggesting your boss's indiscretions are creating discomfort, you should approach him with your concerns about confidentiality and the inappropriateness of your desk space being taken over by another person. This will depersonalize the issue, I think, and make your boss less likely to get defensive. And if you haven't already — it's unclear to whom you've reported your concerns — go to H.R. Unless of course, H.R. is also so under your boss's spell that it is reluctant to approach him directly. In which case, my advice remains the same: Speak to your boss himself. It may not make a difference, but at the very least, you can say you tried. Want all of The Times? Subscribe.

How to go from quiet to commanding
How to go from quiet to commanding

Fast Company

time9 hours ago

  • Fast Company

How to go from quiet to commanding

BY Listen to this Article More info 0:00 / 4:48 You're smart, capable, and consistently deliver results. But in meetings, your voice disappears. As an executive coach with over two decades of experience, I've helped hundreds of introverted leaders find their voice, speak up, and lead with impact. If you're a quiet professional, especially an introvert, you know this feeling well. You're respected, but not remembered. You stay heads-down, hoping the work will speak for itself. But it doesn't. The truth? Many high-performing introverts struggle to be heard, not because they lack confidence or ability, but because they rely on their work to speak for itself. In today's fast-paced, visibility-driven workplace, that's no longer enough. If you want to be seen as a leader, you have to be heard. I recently coached a senior scientist at a global biotech company. Exceptionally skilled and deeply respected, she quietly disappeared in high-stakes meetings, and it was costing her. Colleagues overlooked her contributions. Leaders began excluding her from key decisions, and she was repeatedly passed over for leadership roles, not because of her ability, but because she wasn't seen as a strong presence in the room. Her insights were compelling, but she hesitated to assert them. Some leaders began to misread her silence as a lack of confidence or conviction. What she experienced is common, especially for introverts. Research from Harvard Business Review shows that introverts are often overlooked for leadership roles, not because they're less effective, but because they don't actively show up. When they stay under the radar, they risk being underestimated, no matter how valuable their contributions. Great work isn't enough if no one sees it. You have to make it visible. And that means speaking up. You don't have to be the loudest voice in the room. But you do need to be the one people remember when the meeting ends. That's what shifts perception. That's what gets you noticed. The good news? You don't have to change who you are. You just need a strategy to speak up with clarity, confidence, and impact. Here's how. 5 WAYS TO SPEAK UP WITHOUT BEING LOUD These five strategies are designed specifically for quiet professionals like you, who want to be heard by adding value, not volume. 1. PREPARE WITH PURPOSE As an introvert, preparation is your superpower, but don't overdo it. When preparing for meetings, you don't need to know everything; you just need to know what matters. Don't just bring data; bring perspective. Before the meeting ask yourself: What's the one thing I want leadership to know? What decision are they facing, and how can I help move it forward? advertisement 2. CONNECT TO OUTCOMES Subject-matter experts, and many introverts, tend to explain their full thought process, but that can lose your audience. Instead, lead with the impact. Link your input directly to results. Leaders pay attention when they hear how an idea drives business value, solves a problem, or moves the team forward. 3. DROP SELF-MINIMIZING LANGUAGE Introverts often over-qualify their ideas to sound polite or careful, but it comes across as uncertainty. Skip phrases like 'This might be silly . . .' or 'I'm not sure this makes sense . . .' and say, 'Here's what I see' or 'One idea we haven't explored yet.' If you catch yourself starting with a qualifier, pause. Say it silently, then switch to a more confident version before speaking. 4. START WITH WHAT MATTERS Skip the long preambles. Don't ease in with, 'Let me walk you through my thinking . . .' Go straight to the value: 'Here's a risk I see' or 'One angle that haven't been mentioned . . .' The faster you get to your point, the more likely people are to listen and remember it. 5. FOLLOW UP TO EXTEND YOUR INFLUENCE Many introverts find that writing helps them organize and express their thoughts clearly, so use that strength. After the meeting, send a follow-up email summarizing key points or outlining next steps. This reinforces your ideas, keeps your contributions visible, and positions you as someone who drives clarity and action. YOU'RE IN THE ROOM FOR A REASON If you've ever stared at a table of senior leaders, or a Zoom screen full of them, and thought, What am I doing here? you're not alone. But you weren't invited as a favor. You're here because you add value. The question is: Are you making it clear why your voice matters? The next time you're in a meeting, don't disappear. Show up. Speak up. Let your quiet wisdom be heard. The super-early-rate deadline for Fast Company's Most Innovative Companies Awards is tonight, July 25, at 11:59 p.m. PT. Apply today.

Crystal King of Central High School named assistant principal of the year
Crystal King of Central High School named assistant principal of the year

Yahoo

time15 hours ago

  • Yahoo

Crystal King of Central High School named assistant principal of the year

(This story was updated to add a photo.) Crystal King, assistant principal at Central High School, has been named the 2025 Region 15 Assistant Principal of the Year, according to a news release. King was named the assistant principal of the year by the Texas Association of Secondary School Principals. "This prestigious honor recognizes exemplary leadership, a commitment to student success and a deep dedication to the advancement of public education," the release stated. King has been assistant principal at Central High School for the past two years and brings 24 years of experience in education to the role. "Throughout her career, she has consistently demonstrated a passion for fostering a positive campus culture, supporting students and staff, and building systems that contribute to long-term school improvement," the release stated. Superintendent Christopher Moran said King is the school is fortunate to have her in a leadership role. 'This recognition demonstrates her love for students and the high academic expectations she has for the campus," Moran said. "San Angelo ISD is extremely proud of Mrs. King.' The award is given annually to one outstanding assistant principal in each region of Texas who has shown exemplary performance and leadership. 'Mrs. King demonstrates unwavering kindness and dedication to the students at Central High School,' Central High School Principal Jill Ross said. 'She creates a nurturing and inclusive environment where every learner and staff member feels valued and supported. She uplifts and empowers those around her and is a cornerstone of our administrative team. This recognition is a testament to the profound impact she makes at Central High School.' San Angelo ISD congratulated King on the well-deserved honor and thanked her for her incredible service to the students, staff and families of the community. More: San Angelo lends a hand to those in need after flood More: Dirty bathrooms, evidence of insects, rodents: San Angelo weekly restaurant inspections This article originally appeared on San Angelo Standard-Times: Crystal King from Central named Assistant Principal of the Year Solve the daily Crossword

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store