The Human Side Of Leadership

Traditionally, leadership has been synonymous with authority, command and results-driven approaches. However, these hierarchical structures and authoritarian leadership styles are becoming increasingly outdated in today's interconnected and rapidly evolving business environment. Employees are no longer satisfied with merely being cogs in a machine; they seek meaning, purpose and a sense of belonging in their work, prompting business leaders to adopt a more empathetic approach. 

In this environment, empathy has emerged as a fundamental pillar for effective and successful leadership. As organisations continue to confront unprecedented challenges and uncertainties, the need for empathetic leadership has never been more pronounced for enabling people to find success. When connection and collaboration are given precedence over authority-based compliance, businesses can appreciate the individuality of each team member, fostering an environment where everyone feels valued, respected and empowered.

Understanding Employee Needs

Understanding employee needs is critical for business because when they feel nurtured and understood, they give their all to make their teams and the larger business succeed. This can be done only through compassion, care, and empathy. The first thing employees need is safety, security at work, and being nurtured to do their work with all the skills necessary to make them successful. The second is to be in tune with their purpose. The moment they understand why they are in the organisation and what their purpose is, they stay, perform and grow. An empathetic leader has a great role to play in both these needs. 

So, what does it take to become an empathetic leader?

Becoming an empathetic leader begins with self-awareness. Leaders must inculcate a deep understanding of their own emotions, strengths, weaknesses and biases, and empathise with themselves before they can even hope to be empathetic to their teammates. Active listening is the single most important facet of empathy, leaders must listen with intent and curiosity but also with compassion, seeking to understand team members' underlying emotions and sensitivities, their fears, and their aspirations. This knowledge gives them the ability to help their teammates find long-lasting and empowering answers for themselves so that they become more confident in their own abilities and are also willing to go the extra mile to learn and grow as professionals. 

Empathetic Leadership is equal to Happy Hearts

Where there is empathy and compassion in every sphere of professional life, be it giving feedback, in focus groups or one-on-ones, in performance reviews, in connects, in daily engagements, happy hearts reign. An organisation then sees the highest degree of retention, great performance, and people who live by the values of the organisation. It is then better positioned to navigate challenges, seize opportunities, and sustain long-term growth and success. It truly becomes – A Great Place To Work. 

The author is Nina Nair, Chief Human Resources Officer, Global at [24]7.ai.