Leading with Empathy

Emotional Intelligence is one of the top-rated characteristics of a successful leader. It refers to one’s ability to understand, use, and manage their own emotions in positive ways to relieve stress, communicate effectively, empathize with others, overcome challenges and defuse conflict.

When I think about employees and their needs right now, empathy is what comes to mind. Workplaces need more understanding, corporate culture needs more care, and leaders need to improve their communication and provide a genuine sensitivity to the challenges their teams are facing inside and outside of their roles at work.

Daniel Goleman, author, and psychologist who popularized the concept of Emotional Intelligence outlines EI in four quadrants to help us understand how, and why it works.

Daniel Goleman’s Emotional Intelligence Quadrant

For the purpose of today’s discussion, we’re particularly interested in the social recognition quadrant which speaks to empathy, organizational awareness, and service orientation, all essential to a successful relationship between team members. 

The reality is, work-life and home life have completely merged. There are no more lines, there are very rarely commutes, and there are even fewer boundaries. The least we can do is be aware of each other’s situations, and without judgment, offer support and service.

It’s been said time over time, but we’re all in this together. My hope is that on the other side of this pandemic there are stronger, more flexible, and connected people leaders. 

How are you working on your development as a leader? What will you have learned?

Connect with me to talk about your EI strategy.

- Jen

Sources: Empathy | Daniel Goleman's Quadrant