Leading With Empathy: Best Practices

I was a terrible manager when I first started. I thought leadership was all about doing the work and leading by example. Spoiler: it’s not. Here’s what I’ve learned about becoming the kind of leader your team actually wants to follow (instead of silently resenting): 1. Promote Work-Life Balance I used to think being "the hardest worker in the room" would inspire my team. Instead, it burned them—and me—out. Now, I encourage my team to take breaks, set boundaries, and prioritize their health. If your team is running on empty, so is your leadership. 2. Provide Clear Expectations Early on, I left my team to “figure it out”—thinking autonomy was empowering. But without clear goals, people become uncertain, frustrated, and stressed. Everyone needs to know how to play—and win—their game. 3. Offer Real Support No one wants a "boss." I learned that real leadership means being approachable. Your team won’t thrive if they’re afraid to come to you. 4. Recognize and Appreciate Fair pay isn't a substitute for being present. Recognition fuels motivation. Celebrate your team! 5. Encourage Open Communication In my early days, I didn’t listen enough. I talked at my team, not with them. Now, I create space for open dialogue, where no one fears judgment. I’ve learned that the best leaders listen first, act second. Afterall, telling isn't teaching. 6. Invest in Their Growth Skills compound. Don't underestimate the power of development. I never skip a coaching opportunity—when your people grow, your team levels up. 7. Promote Collaboration Build a culture that rewards teamwork and joint mission wins. Avoid structure that perpetuates scarcity thinking. An aligned team is greater than the sum of its parts. 8. Lead with Empathy At the start, I made decisions without fully considering my team's individual needs—I was too binary. That changed when I saw the impact of leading with empathy. Now, I take time to understand each person’s challenges and strengths because compassion breeds loyalty. 9. Create a Positive Work Environment I thought culture would take care of itself. But culture is shaped by every choice you make as a leader. I learned to focus on building an inclusive, respectful environment where everyone feels heard and valued. 10. Monitor and Address Burnout I was blind to burnout until it hit me—and my team. Now, I watch for early signs of burnout, like decreased productivity or changes in behavior, and take action immediately. It’s not just about saving performance—it’s about saving people. I started as a terrible manager, but I’ve learned that leadership is about more than getting the job done—it's about empowering people to thrive. Your team isn’t looking for a perfect leader; they’re looking for someone who cares enough to lead with intention, empathy, and presence. シ ♻️ Be kind. Smash that repost button. 💬 Which (1-10) resonates the most for you? P.S. DROP A COMMENT & TAG YOUR FAVORITE BOSS!

Over the past 2.5 years, my world was forever changed. I became a caregiver to my husband, Chuck, as he fought an extraordinary battle with brain cancer, and then I faced the heart-wrenching reality of his passing. Now, six months after his passing, five months back in the office, and going through all the “firsts” without him, I find myself reflecting on how this journey has transformed me by turning pain into purpose - not just as a person, but as a leader: 1. Empathy First - Watching Maddie care for her dad reminded me that compassion speaks louder than words. In leadership, it’s the same. You don’t need to know the full story to extend grace. Lead with empathy, always. 2. Acknowledge the Invisible Struggles - Everyone is carrying something unseen. Whether it’s caregiving, grief, or personal challenges, we all deserve understanding and flexibility. A little kindness goes a long way. 3. Be Present - In caregiving, I learned the power of being fully present—whether it was holding Chuck’s hand or just sitting in silence. As a leader, presence matters. I value them as individuals, not just contributors. 4. Lead with Vulnerability - Sharing this video and my journey isn’t easy, but I believe in leading by example. Vulnerability isn’t a weakness; it’s a bridge to connection. 5. Celebrate the Living Moments - Just as Maddie and I made the most of Chuck’s final days, it’s important to celebrate the small wins in life and at work. Those moments matter more than we often realize. I’ve learned that leadership isn’t just about the decisions we make—it’s about the way we make people feel. Leaders have the power to create spaces where people feel seen, supported, and understood—no matter what they’re facing. This journey has changed me for the better - it’s made me stronger, more empathetic, more courageous and more human. To those navigating caregiving, grief, or loss, especially during the holidays - as alone as you may feel, you are not alone. #nationalgriefawarenessweek

I managed teams for 10 years before I learned this important truth: Empathy isn't a "soft skill." It's your most powerful leadership tool. I once had a top performer who was missing deadlines. Instead of asking "Why isn't this done?" I asked "How can I support you?" Turns out, she was dealing with family health issues but was afraid to speak up. That one conversation changed everything. 8 ways I learned to show empathy at work: — Listen without jumping to fix things — Be flexible when life throws curveballs — Make time for non-work conversations — Give praise in public, feedback in private — Create space where no question feels stupid — Support mental health days, not just sick days — Ask how you can help, not why things aren't done — Treat your team like people first, employees second When you lead with empathy, productivity and loyalty naturally follow. You don't have to choose between being human and being successful. The most effective leaders are both. Because at the end of the day, people don't leave bad jobs. They leave environments where they don't feel understood or appreciated. Want to transform your team? Start with empathy. It's the investment that pays the highest returns. ♻️ Agree? Repost to spread the message. Thanks! 📌 Follow Justin Wright for more on emotional intelligence. Want my 99 best cheat sheets? Get them free: BrillianceBrief.com

🌟 Great leadership drives results by leading with empathy, kindness, and integrity. Want to build a team where innovation, loyalty, and well-being thrive? It starts with listening, caring, and empowering every individual. I've seen firsthand how small acts of care and understanding can transform a team's performance. When people feel valued, they bring their best selves to work every day. Here’s how to lead with empathy and integrity—concrete steps to inspire trust and elevate your team: 👂 Listen First. Encourage open dialogue. When employees feel heard, innovation blossoms. 💖 Show Care. Recognize strengths and efforts. Appreciation builds loyalty and morale. 🌞 Lead by Example. Set the tone with positivity and respect to foster a culture of integrity. 💪 Empower Others. Promote a growth mindset to help people realize their full potential. 🙌 Stay Humble. Embrace learning, no matter your level. Humility breeds collaboration. 🔍 Encourage Transparency. Clear, honest communication builds trust and alignment. 🎉 Celebrate Successes. Acknowledge efforts, big and small, to keep motivation high. ⚖️ Balance Work and Life. Protect well-being to sustain productivity and prevent burnout. Empathy-driven leadership isn’t just a ‘nice-to-have’—it’s the key to lasting success. When people feel valued, they rise to every challenge.

Empathy is one of the greatest tools in a leader’s toolbox. It’s also one of the most underused. As a leader, I’ve learned that a little empathy can go a long way. I’ve had moments where a team member was clearly overwhelmed, and instead of pushing harder, I paused and simply asked, “How can I help?” That shift in approach made a big difference for both of us. ➡ Leaders who connect with their teams on an emotional level see better results. ➡ ️Employees who feel their leader genuinely cares about them are less likely to leave. High turnover costs organizations an average of $15,000 per employee in recruitment, onboarding, and lost productivity. Empathy isn’t just kindness. Empathy is: ★ "Let’s plan for your maternity leave to ensure a smooth transition while you’re away." ★ "I’m happy to make accommodations — let’s discuss what will help you work more comfortably." ★ "I understand the challenges. Let’s talk through them and find a solution together." ★ "Your feedback on the workflow is important. Let’s improve it so everyone feels supported." ★ "I’m hearing pushback. Let’s talk through the concerns and find a way to move forward." How have you seen empathy impact your work environment? How do you integrate it into your leadership style?