❓️Why are some leaders less empathetic, the higher in seniority they become? 💜One of the curious and surprising findings to me which has been emerging from my observations in recent years is that some leaders (who have made it to senior leadership positions themselves) seem to have forgotten how hard it is to make your way to senior leadership! 💪🏼They don’t seem as supportive or empathetic to their people as I thought they might be. This includes women, as well as men. 🔎 I decided to do a bit of digging around on this and came across a piece of research about empathy from HBR which, in my mind, at leasts connects to what I’ve been noticing. ✨️ When you’ve struggled through difficult situations, empathy research suggests that you have less, not more, empathy for those in similar situations to you. This feels relevant at the moment, not just to women’s leadership, but also to how we are connecting with and empathising with employees in the post-COVID workplace. 💭 It also made me stop and ask myself if I do this too. 💪🏼Maybe I am not as understanding as I could be because sometimes I have also forgotten how hard things were? When you are the other side of your struggle you think, if I can do this anyone can do it, and you perhaps underestimate how hard it was for you at the time you were going through it. 💡 When I connect to those times of struggle in my own life, new born babies, moving countries, early days of separation of divorce, bias in workplace, homeschooling and COVID(!!!) and I go back to the moments and really connect to the struggle, I find my empathy can return. 💜 You can read more on this on my blog post here https://lnkd.in/gGCPScpg #Purpose #Values #Leadership #Singapore #culture #empathy #seniorleadershipt
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🌟 3 Ways to Leverage Your “Tribe” to Beat Imposter Syndrome 🌟 Hey, amazing women leaders! 🌺 Yesterday, I shared 3 Positive Self-Habits you can build to combat that little voice in our heads telling us we're not enough can be overwhelming. But guess what? You are more than enough, and together, we can silence that voice! Here are three powerful strategies to help you network and reach out to others to overcome imposter syndrome: 1. Seek Support and Mentorship 🤝 Connecting with others who have been in your shoes can make a world of difference. Find a mentor who inspires you, or join a supportive community of like-minded women. Once you open up and share your feelings with other female leaders, you’ll be surprised how often your hear, “I feel that way too! I thought I was alone.” Their guidance and shared experiences can provide the reassurance and motivation you need to push through self-doubt. 2. Seek Constructive Feedback 📝 Don’t shy away from feedback! Constructive criticism is a valuable tool for growth. Reach out to trusted colleagues or mentors for their insights. Use this feedback as an opportunity to improve and build confidence in your abilities. You’ll be surprised at how viewing yourself from someone else’s point of view uncovers strengths you didn’t know you had. And remember, everyone has areas for development...so embrace that feedback too! 3. Celebrate Your Achievements 🎉 It's easy to downplay our successes, but celebrating them is crucial. Keep a “win” journal or success file to document all your accomplishments, big and small. Review it regularly to remind yourself of your strengths and capabilities. Sharing these successes with your network can also inspire others and reinforce your own confidence. Access those cheerleaders in your network. Networking and reaching out isn't just about professional growth—it's about building a supportive circle that uplifts and empowers each other. Let's connect, support, and celebrate our journeys together! 🔗 Drop a comment or message me if you’d like to connect and share your story. Let’s overcome imposter syndrome together and shine as the visible leaders we are meant to be! 🌟 #WomenInLeadership #ImposterSyndrome #Mentorship #Networking #LeadershipDevelopment
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𝐇𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐚 𝐬𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐚 𝐨𝐫 𝐨𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐫 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐜𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐬𝐦 𝐢𝐧 𝐚 𝐦𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠, 𝐨𝐧𝐥𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐮𝐧𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐨𝐫 𝐝𝐫𝐚𝐦𝐚? I have. After nearly four years in the professional world, one question has persistently troubled me: Why do so many men, especially those in leadership roles, struggle to accept suggestions or criticism from women? My experiences reveal a troubling pattern: feedback from women often triggers defensive reactions rather than constructive engagement. In about 85% of my encounters with male leaders and colleagues, instead of embracing feedback, many resort to counterattacks or dredge up past mistakes to assert their superiority. This behavior is both perplexing and frustrating. Feedback is vital for growth and should be received with an open mind, regardless of gender. Yet, the fragility of some male egos seems to hinder this process. While this observation may be uncomfortable for some, it reflects a reality I've encountered. I advocate for male allyship and strive to overcome this bias, but my experiences continue to reinforce it. 𝘐𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘴 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘰𝘳 𝘴𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘬𝘴 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘤𝘶𝘳𝘪𝘰𝘴𝘪𝘵𝘺, 𝘦𝘹𝘱𝘭𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘮𝘺 𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘮𝘺 𝘭𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘣𝘭𝘰𝘨: 𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐀𝐫𝐞 𝐌𝐞𝐧’𝐬 𝐄𝐠𝐨𝐬 𝐒𝐨 𝐅𝐫𝐚𝐠𝐢𝐥𝐞 🔗https://lnkd.in/gAyEcniz Share your thoughts in the comments...💭 Nirupama Subramanian Aparna Mathur Harpreet Kaur Sudarshana Kundu Meghana Rao Kshama Priyadarshini Deepali D. Vandana Kena Shree Pooja Bajpai Maleeha Jameel Growing Leadership of Women #Leadership #GenderEquality #ProfessionalGrowth #Feedback #MaleEgos #CareerDevelopment
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In this difficult moment in workplaces, empathy is everything. 🙏🏾💫✨ From hate and geopolitical conflict to work stress and post-pandemic trauma, people across workplaces are struggling. And this is why empathy matters. At my leadership consulting firm bhasin consulting inc., we’ve now taught hundreds of thousands of professionals about the importance of empathy and leadership. One of the observations we’ve had is that some leaders grapple with how to tap into empathy for others. Why? Because they lack empathy for themselves. (As you may know, it's really hard to "fake empathy" for yourself.) #wevegotthis #empathy #leadership #inclusion #authenticity It is veryyyy difficult to practice empathy for others when you don’t offer it to yourself. 🥺💔 And many of us wrestle with how to make this happen. If you sometimes struggle to experience empathy for yourself, I encourage you to do the following the next time someone reveals a challenge they're having or shares their pain about something with you: ➡️ Notice the thoughts that are coming up in your mind ➡️ Pay attention to the sensations that are coming up in your body ➡️ Clock the words you're using to express kindness to the other person Then, capture these three reflections (in writing, ideally), and the next time you're grappling with how to be more empathetic, come back to these reflections. On a related note, I wanted to share that it's so important that we live out – and feel – our own pain. I've been coming back to this repeatedly over the last few months as I've been grieving the loss of my mother. The horrible pain I've been feeling is helping me to have greater empathy for others – which is also pushing me to expand my empathy for myself. 🙏🏾🤎 Again, we tap into empathy through resonance. Are you with me? (To learn more about empathy and leadership, check out bhasin consulting inc.’s YouTube playlists here: https://lnkd.in/gB2Uc_xj.)
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I am Sorry 🤔 Is expressing apologies synonymous with being empathetic? 🤝 Last week, during a session I facilitated on female leadership workshop as part of a year long program for a company, a participant raised an intriguing question. 💬 I had been discussing how women tend to apologize more frequently and often feel heightened guilt compared to men, even for similar actions. 📣 As part of the conversation, I emphasized how the word "sorry" can lose its sincerity when used excessively along with authority of a leader. ❓ In response, a participant asked: "In a world striving for more empathy, why reconsider the use of 'sorry'?" 🔍 This question sparked a captivating discussion and prompted a deeper dive into empathy and apologies. 1️⃣ Empathy involves more than just verbal expressions. It's about genuinely connecting with someone in their moments of joy or sorrow. While saying sorry can acknowledge another person's pain, true empathy requires active listening, understanding their perspective, and demonstrating genuine care and concern for their emotions. It often entails taking tangible actions to support them. 2️⃣ Empathetic language includes phrases like "I understand," "I'm here for you," and "Would you like to talk about it?" In contrast, "sorry" is primarily an expression of apology. 3️⃣ Additionally, empathy extends beyond mere apologies. It encompasses a broader range of supportive behaviors and actions aimed at addressing the needs of others. While saying sorry can demonstrate empathy by recognizing someone's feelings and expressing a desire to rectify any harm caused, it's just one aspect of empathetic behavior. 🚫 It's crucial to recognize that frequent use of "sorry" doesn't necessarily equate to genuine empathy. Apologizing represents a distinct aspect that intersects with empathy but doesn't fully embody it. 🔑 Essentially, while apologizing can be a component of empathetic behavior, true empathy demands a deeper level of understanding, connection, and supportive action. ✅ Apologizing is a distinct dimension that intersects with empathy but doesn't entirely encapsulate it. I am eager to know your views on empathy at work. #managementskills #business #leadership #empathyatwork #HR #learning #talentdevelopment #inspirational #neetuchoudhary
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Do you find it difficult to say NO? Yesterday, I was on a coaching call with a client She is a senior Director in her company, a highly accomplished leader However, she feels that she is not being assertive at workplace “What do you mean?” I asked her She responded “I find it difficult to say NO to people” “And how does it impact you?” I probed “My own works gets pushed back. I take on more than what I can deliver” She said “All this leaves me overwhelmed at times” “Sometimes, I get angry with my own self! Why did I not say NO?” she said and I could sense her frustration as she was speaking This is not uncommon… I know so many professionals who face a similar challenge But this is not just a YES or NO question It’s about a CONSCIOUS CHOICE you make What most people don’t realize is that…. Both YES and NO are simultaneous choices you are making AT THE SAME TIME When you say YES to something, you are also saying NO to something else When you YES to prioritizing someone else’s work over yours, you are saying NO to your own work When you YES to prioritizing someone else’s needs over yours, you are saying NO to your own needs Both YES and NO are simple yet transformative words – infact, both are a form of declaration So, here’s my invitation to you: It’s high time that you stand up for yourself It’s high time that you say YES to yourself Summon the courage to say NO with conviction Take control of your choices #womenleaders #professionalwomen #diversity #womenleadership
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Do you find it difficult to say NO? Yesterday, I was on a coaching call with a client She is a senior Director in her company, a highly accomplished leader However, she feels that she is not being assertive at workplace “What do you mean?” I asked her She responded “I find it difficult to say NO to people” “And how does it impact you?” I probed “My own works gets pushed back. I take on more than what I can deliver” She said “All this leaves me overwhelmed at times” “Sometimes, I get angry with my own self! Why did I not say NO?” she said and I could sense her frustration as she was speaking This is not uncommon… I know so many professionals who face a similar challenge But this is not just a YES or NO question It’s about a CONSCIOUS CHOICE you make What most people don’t realize is that…. Both YES and NO are simultaneous choices you are making AT THE SAME TIME When you say YES to something, you are also saying NO to something else When you YES to prioritizing someone else’s work over yours, you are saying NO to your own work When you YES to prioritizing someone else’s needs over yours, you are saying NO to your own needs Both YES and NO are simple yet transformative words – infact, both are a form of declaration So, here’s my invitation to you: It’s high time that you stand up for yourself It’s high time that you say YES to yourself Summon the courage to say NO with conviction Take control of your choices #womenleaders #professionalwomen #diversity #womenleadership
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Do you find it difficult to say NO? Recently, I was on a coaching call with a client She is a senior Director in her company, a highly accomplished leader However, she feels that she is not being assertive at workplace “What do you mean?” I asked her She responded “I find it difficult to say NO to people” “And how does it impact you?” I probed “My own works gets pushed back. I take on more than what I can deliver” She said “All this leaves me overwhelmed at times” “Sometimes, I get angry with my own self! Why did I not say NO?” she said and I could sense her frustration as she was speaking This is not uncommon… I know so many professionals who face a similar challenge But this is not just a YES or NO question It’s about a CONSCIOUS CHOICE you make What most people don’t realize is that…. Both YES and NO are simultaneous choices you are making AT THE SAME TIME When you say YES to something, you are also saying NO to something else When you YES to prioritizing someone else’s work over yours, you are saying NO to your own work When you YES to prioritizing someone else’s needs over yours, you are saying NO to your own needs Both YES and NO are simple yet transformative words – infact, both are a form of declaration So, here’s my challenge to you: It’s high time that you stand up for yourself It’s high time that you say YES to yourself, your needs and your worth Summon the courage to say NO with conviction Take control of your choices #womenleaders #professionalwomen #diversity #womenleadership
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I’m learning this lesson as well. Self-care is essential.
Transformational Leader, Researcher, DEI Practitioner, Educator, Bestselling Author, National Speaker, Foster Care Advocate, Life Coach and Consultant
As a Black woman in leadership… We are often given impossible tasks to accomplish with little to no resources yet expected to make it happen regardless and it’s exhausting. I’ve been navigating some tough weeks which resulted in a woman being downnnnn! 💔 I’m learning firsthand how stress, burnout, and running on empty can truly take a toll internally and externally. Our bodies send us warnings, but I often found myself saying, “I’ll take a break soon,” without knowing when that would actually happen, or reassuring myself with “I’m okay” when I clearly was not. On my leadership journey I am learning how to create the space and boundaries necessary for my health, not just for my responsibilities at work but for my well-being and my family as well. 🛑💕 Leaders, let’s normalize prioritizing ourselves! It is vital and necessary especially for the work that we do. Self-care looks different for everyone, but it’s essential. I invite YOU to share the practices you’ve found helpful in nurturing self-love and care. Leaders let’s support each other in this journey! 💪🏽✨ 👑 #BlackWomenInLeadership #SelfCare #Boundaries #MentalHealthMatters #drleahangeldaniel #harvestseason #fosteringgreatness
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As a Black woman in leadership… We are often given impossible tasks to accomplish with little to no resources yet expected to make it happen regardless and it’s exhausting. I’ve been navigating some tough weeks which resulted in a woman being downnnnn! 💔 I’m learning firsthand how stress, burnout, and running on empty can truly take a toll internally and externally. Our bodies send us warnings, but I often found myself saying, “I’ll take a break soon,” without knowing when that would actually happen, or reassuring myself with “I’m okay” when I clearly was not. On my leadership journey I am learning how to create the space and boundaries necessary for my health, not just for my responsibilities at work but for my well-being and my family as well. 🛑💕 Leaders, let’s normalize prioritizing ourselves! It is vital and necessary especially for the work that we do. Self-care looks different for everyone, but it’s essential. I invite YOU to share the practices you’ve found helpful in nurturing self-love and care. Leaders let’s support each other in this journey! 💪🏽✨ 👑 #BlackWomenInLeadership #SelfCare #Boundaries #MentalHealthMatters #drleahangeldaniel #harvestseason #fosteringgreatness
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Do you work harder than anyone else, but feel sidelined and unsupported by your boss or coworkers? 🤔 It can be really frustrating when your efforts are overlooked or undermined, leaving you unsure of how to respond without it backfiring. I understand how this can affect not just your career, but your mental focus at home too. It's not just you– many South Asian females report feeling ambitious yet left out, facing bias that hinders their effectiveness and executive influence. It's a common challenge that needs addressing. That's where I come in. I specialize in empowering Female South Asian Executives & Leaders to reclaim their influence, effectiveness, and recognition—cutting the time, effort, and stress it currently takes in half. If this situation continues, you risk losing allyship and weakening your impact. It's time to learn how to speak up, shut down negativity, and stay strategic without losing your cool. 🚀 Let's break through these barriers together and ensure you don't plateau. You deserve to thrive and succeed without compromise. 💪 Reach out today to book a free call with me. 👉️ nihacoaching.com #Empowerment #Leadership #SouthAsianLeaders #Influence #CareerSuccess
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