Sharon approached after a keynote on empathy, expressing concerns about her perceived lack of empathy at work. While she joked, deeper issues of defensiveness and resignation were apparent. Empathy is described as a crucial skill, not an innate trait, that helps leaders understand their impact on others. Effective leadership involves avoiding assumptions and reactions, requiring humility and conscious curiosity. By slowing down judgments and asking better questions, leaders can foster trust and commitment rather than react hastily.
"Empathy is the ability to understand others-recognizing what drives people and how they're affected by our decisions. It's not soft; it's strategic."
"Leading with empathy requires us to have humility in complex situations-seeking to understand and be strategic instead of using assumptions and quick reactions."
"Empathic leadership isn't about being nice; it's about being effective and building trust, creating commitment, and leading people."
"I teach people to be consciously curious. It's the practice of slowing down our judgments, letting go of the need for instant certainty, and asking better questions to explore."
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