Empathy as Power

Those who fail to lead with empathy will fail to lead at all!

It’s a bold claim, but one that reflects the shift we’re seeing in the modern workplace. Gone are the days when authority, control, and a “firm hand” were seen as the hallmarks of strong leadership. Today, the world demands something different: connection. And at the heart of that connection is empathy - a leadership skill that builds trust, inspires loyalty, and fosters collaboration and understanding.

How Can You Lead With Empathy In The Everyday?

When a team member is going through a difficult time, do you keep the distance, or do you seek a conversation? You may have been in that situation, too. And maybe you were also not sure about how much empathy was 'allowed'. Today I am sure: Empathy helps us create an environment where everyone feels safe and it has visible effects on performance. But how do you bring it to life in your team, how can you be empathetic in the daily interactions?

1. Creating Spaces For Open Exchange

For me, empathy starts with active listening. One of the simplest yet most effective ways to foster this is through regular check-ins, for example at the beginning of a weekly team meeting. Everyone can voluntarily share what’s on their minds, whether it’s work-related or personal. We like to use the traffic light model for this, where team members can let each other know if they are feeling “green”, “yellow” or “red” (or anything in between). It’s not about forcing participation but creating an environment where everyone feels invited to express themselves – it helps to understand where everybody is coming from and what might have an impact on them.

2. Practicing Flexibility

Empathetic leaders respond to individual and team needs without losing sight of overarching goals. This includes a clear call for flexibility. Studies consistently show that flexibility improves job satisfaction, well-being and team performance, creating a win-win for everyone involved. [1] [2]

Speaking of a win-win, how do you tune in to the team’s pulse every day? Consider the power of a quick daily check-in. These 15-minute touchpoints every morning help to structure the day, identify immediate challenges, and – if needed – adjust priorities.

The result? A workplace where people feel supported and know what is on everyone´s schedule for the day, so we can better support and engage with each other.

3. Encouraging Open Dialogues - Both Ways

Empathy thrives in a culture where communication flows freely in both directions. For leaders, this means being open about their own needs and challenges, modeling vulnerability as a strength. When we share authentically - whether it’s about balancing competing priorities or navigating uncertainty - it invites reciprocity. Team members are more likely to share their concerns and ideas, knowing that their voices will be met with respect and understanding.

This level of openness isn’t effortless. It requires time and intentionality, but the return on investment is clear: stronger team cohesion, innovative problem-solving, and a shared sense of purpose.

Every Decision Supports The Company’s And My Teams Needs

Being empathetic is oftentimes treated only as a social soft skill. Or even as a leadership style where performance doesn’t matter. This is complete nonsense. The truth is: Leading with empathy drives results through connection, support and appreciation:

• I choose to listen and understand instead of dictating tasks.
• I actively support my team instead of controlling and micro-managing it.
• I take their individual needs seriously and move beyond pressure to drive results.

Empathetic leadership is a strategic move creating advantages for the team and the company. It is an important way to bring out the best in people, to increase resilience, creativity, job satisfaction, and loyalty.

Being empathetic can result in many different solutions ranging from more flexible working hours to deciding to closer collaborate on a project with a team member to help them grow as we go. Sometimes, also creating a tandem of team members can help leverage individual strength to develop their most potential withing a project while balancing their needs.

If you have experienced situations where empathetic leadership created great outcome, I’d love to hear them in the comments.

#Leadership #Empowerment #DiversityAndInclusion #WomenInBusiness #EthicalLeadership

[1] The Effects of Flexible Work Practices on Employee Attitudes: Evidence from a Large-Scale Panel Study in Germany, DIW, 2017.

[2] Work Flexibility and Work-Related Well-Being, PubMed Central 2021.