July
18,
2024
Cultivating Business Success Through Empathy
Many of us work under significant stress with constant change and unending demands for high performance. Traditional leadership models rooted in authority or control are proving less effective than a more human-centered way: compassionate leadership. Compassion acts on empathy and creates a workplace where people feel seen, heard, and valued.
Why is compassionate leadership critical to success today?
“Nobody cares how much you know until they know how much you care.”
– Theodore Roosevelt
Enhanced Employee Well-Being
Think about your own experience: Don’t you tend to perform better when you’re feeling better? Focusing leadership on people’s physical, emotional, and mental wellbeing sends a message: we care about you and support you. When people feel like they’re valued, they are more resilient to stress and less susceptible to burnout. And they’re better equipped to give their best.
For instance, during the COVID-19 pandemic, companies that adopted compassionate leadership practices—such as flexible work arrangements and mental health support—saw higher levels of employee satisfaction and retention compared to those that didn’t. These organizations recognized that their employees’ wellbeing was crucial for sustaining both individual and business success.
Increased Engagement and Performance
People whose leaders demonstrate compassionate behavior and attitudes tend to be more engaged at work. They are more likely to invest in their work and go above and beyond in their roles. Natural outcomes of engagement include better performance, increased innovation, and a competitive edge for the organization.
And if you want evidence, a study by the American Psychological Association found that employees who felt their leaders were compassionate reported greater job satisfaction, commitment to their organization, and overall performance. The study highlighted that compassion in leadership not only fosters a positive work environment but also drives tangible business outcomes.
People whose leaders demonstrate compassionate behavior and attitudes tend to be more engaged at work.
A Resilient and Adaptive Workforce
In the face of constant disruption, compassionate leadership can help people – and by extension, organizations – navigate challenges more effectively. In times of crisis or change, emotions run high. Leaders who are empathetic are better able to understand their teams’ concerns and provide the support necessary to adapt. The ability to meet the moment builds resilience within our teams, enabling the organization to weather uncertainties and emerge stronger.
We’ve seen that during economic downturns or organizational restructuring, compassionate leaders who maintain open communication and provide reassurance help their teams stay focused and motivated. This mitigates the distress around uncertainty and helps preserve morale, contributing to a quicker recovery.
Actions to Cultivate Compassionate Leadership
- Listen actively and validate experience.
Listen without an agenda, practice silence, and refrain from judgment. Acknowledge the other’s experience, whether or not you agree. What they’re experiencing and feeling is valid. Try to understand their perspective. Doing so demonstrates care and fosters trust.
- Encourage open communication.
Giving people the space to share their opinions and concerns frees up tension and provides room for collaboration and connection. Be the person who makes people feel safe. Ensure you have a predictable cadence for one-on-one meetings and team communication. Discuss expectations openly and give positive feedback for behaviors you’d like to see the team demonstrate.
- Foster a culture of inclusivity.
We’re stronger when we value our differences. Seek divergent ideas, consider opposing viewpoints, and encourage dissenting opinions. Sometimes this creative tension is exactly what’s needed to get to the best outcomes. When we include all points of view, people feel respected and heard. What greater gift could we offer?
- Provide support and resources.
Know what the physical, mental, and emotional health benefits are in your organization. Do you have an EAP program? Partner with a coaching service? Have gym stipends? Knowing these and other benefits can help you offer the right tool for the situation.
- Lead by example.
Practice self-compassion. Modeling desired behavior will go farther than talking about it. Set the tone by interacting with care. Think and talk through business decisions with the awareness that actions impact people. Help your people do the same. This can help others see what desired behavior looks like; they’ll follow your lead, creating a ripple effect of empathy throughout the organization.
We’re stronger when we value our differences.
As leaders, we influence the direction of our organization through our relationships with people. To be compassionate means we’re working to alleviate the suffering of our people. When we do, we enhance their wellbeing, engagement, and performance. In a world where we’re doing all we can to keep up with constant change, the ability to lead with compassion isn’t only beneficial…it’s essential.
