I’ve been wondering for a while what should be the first topic for our newsletter. At first, I considered discussing the state of IT and how, despite years of improving its relationship with the business, the gap seems to be widening again. I also thought about exploring the various types of CIOs, starting with the tactical CIO who often hinders meaningful progress in IT departments year after year. Or perhaps, I could delve into different leadership styles and how to find what works best for you.
But no, I decided to focus on what is dearest to me and what I consider one of the most important characteristics of a leader, if not the most important one: empathy. Don’t worry, I’ll cover all those other subjects in upcoming newsletters, and often more than one! The struggle is real for IT nowadays!
Empathy is often misunderstood as a weakness, but it is a sign of emotional intelligence and resilience. EI is at the heart of empathetic leadership. These leaders navigate their own emotions and those of others, regulating reactions and choosing empathy over judgment.
Empathy is a cornerstone of my leadership style, a choice I made years ago. Caring about people while delivering results is what drives me, and that’s also why CLEARMIND IT was born (I’ll come back to that later). It’s always been clear to me that I have no desire to be a leader that succeeds by leaving “dead bodies” behind (sorry for the image). Think of it this way, once you leave a (leadership) position, how do you want to be remembered? “Good riddance” or “Sincere appreciation, we’ll miss you”?
In the dynamic landscape of leadership, empathy stands as a powerful bridge, a conduit that connects leaders with their teams, fosters trust (trust will be covered in more detail in the future), and cultivates a supportive work environment. Empathetic leaders understand and appreciate the human experience. They know that success isn’t about numbers but about the people behind those metrics, their aspirations, fears, and daily struggles. As Richard Branson once said, “Take care of your employees and they’ll take care of your business. It’s as simple as that.”
Picture that ice storm day, it’s supposed to hit at around 4.20 pm. One team’s leader prioritized safety, urging everyone to leave early and be home safe with their families: ‘Projects can wait,’ (s)he said. Meanwhile, the other team carried on, business as usual, you’re supposed to work 8 hours a day. Now, consider the long-term impact. The safety-first team is likely to thrive. Why? Because trust grows where empathy blooms. During difficult time, they’ll rally behind their leader, knowing genuine care extends beyond work.”
Empathetic leaders practice active listening, creating space for meaningful discussions and seeking to understand rather than just respond. Genuine care extends beyond the office walls. The ability to connect on a human level, showing compassion beyond work-related matters, demonstrates true leadership and fosters trust within the team.
It is essential, however, to recognize that empathy doesn’t equate to invading someone’s privacy. Empathetic leaders respect boundaries and understand that not everyone wishes to share personal details. They create a safe space where team members feel comfortable opening up without feeling pressured. Balancing empathy with respect for privacy ensures a healthy and supportive work environment. This can be achieved by:
- Setting clear boundaries
- Understanding individual preferences
- Reinforcing the confidentiality agreement
- Offering support without intrusion
- Training leaders and team members on handling sensitive information
Compassion in action is another hallmark of empathetic leadership. These leaders don’t shy away from emotions; they validate feelings, whether it’s celebrating wins or empathizing during setbacks. Supportive gestures, such as asking “How are you?” or sending a heartfelt note, can make a significant difference and set the stage as “(s)he cares.” Empathy isn’t about grand gestures; it’s found in small, consistent acts.
Vulnerability and trust go hand-in-hand with empathetic leadership. Authentic leaders share their own struggles, building trust through vulnerability. Teams flourish when they feel safe expressing doubts, fears, and hopes in a supportive environment. They will naturally become more open in expressing concerns regarding work outcomes. Employees who don’t feel supported will often disengage and, while they might be aware of a business risk, they might look the other way. If the leader does not care, why should the employee care for the leader? Empathetic leadership shapes a culture of collaboration, inclusion, and psychological safety. It sets the tone for how people interact and support one another.
Walking in others’ shoes is crucial for empathetic leaders. They shift their perspective to consider diverse viewpoints, cultural backgrounds, and personal contexts. When leaders prioritize the well-being of their teams, they create a ripple effect where healthy teams thrive.
Remember, empathy isn’t a checkbox; it’s a mindset. As leaders, let’s connect through understanding, one empathetic gesture at a time. By embracing empathy, we can create more connected, resilient, and successful teams and organizations. The impact on organizational culture is profound when leaders lead with empathy. Empathy isn’t a short-term fix but an investment in long-term, sustainable success.
Thought of the week
Remember, everyone deserves to feel understood and cared for, empathy is the key to unlocking that connection
I Recommend –
https://www.ted.com/ and search EMPATHY LEADERSHIP for some great TED talks on the topic. Here’s one I recommend:
We’ll soon delve into the topic of Leadership vs. Authority right here.