Walking A Mile on other’s shoes

61% of people with highly empathetic superiors say they are innovative at work, compared with only 13% of people with less empathetic leaders.

76% of people with highly empathetic managers report being committed, compared with only 32% of people with less empathetic managers.

50% of people with highly empathetic managers report an inclusive work environment, compared with only 17% of people with less empathetic managers.

57% of white women and 62% of women of color who feel their life situation is respected and valued by their company say they never or rarely think of leaving their organization. Empathy matters. It has become a critical leadership skill in the workplace. A fact amply proven by numerous research studies. But it goes even further. Having an empathetic leader has a positive impact on every part of the organization: its employees, its performance, and the image it conveys. 

Let’s look at how this critical skill is a real asset to a company and how this leadership competency helps create positive relationships and a much better work environment.

Loyal Employees 

In a company, empathetic leadership will help foster a greater sense of belonging among employees and boost their commitment, as they feel listened to, recognized, and respected.

Empathy appeals to the emotional and thus is a powerful motivation source. The results? Increased productivity, more involved, diligent, and creative workers who are less afraid to suggest new things and innovate. 

Better Communication

An empathetic leader can understand and connect emotionally with every team member. This ability fosters open, honest, and transparent communication, enabling employees to feel heard and understood. It also leads to better human interactions and strong relationships within the company.

Better hold on sail when the wind changes

Fears, uncertainties, leaving one’s comfort zone: in times of change, people’s stress levels tend to rise. The pandemic has demonstrated this, but it’s not the only one. We live in an ever-changing world where every day brings its share of upheavals (economic, ecological, social, AI, Etc.). In such a context, a leader demonstrating empathy helps employees to stay on course and in high spirits, to feel accompanied and even protected in the face of the potential dangers they relate to change.

Talent growth

Empathy in the workplace helps retain the best talent within the company. Employees appreciate working with someone who sees them as people, not just as resources for achieving objectives. 

Empathy shows that the leader cares about workers’ well-being and professional development, encouraging them to stay with the company.

Reliability

Employees tend to feel more confident when they have an empathetic leader. Recognizing and validating their team members’ emotions and experiences provides a safe and supportive working environment. Employees are more inclined to share their ideas, concerns, and problems, knowing they will be respected and understood.

Quick Solution

Empathy enables leaders to understand better the challenges faced by their team members. Many managers can offer support and appropriate solutions by putting themselves in other people’s shoes. This helps solve problems and facilitates decision-making.

Better Leader

An empathetic leader is often seen as a role model. Their compassion, genuine care, good understanding, and benevolence inspire team members to behave similarly. That, in turn, fosters cohesion between different employees while encouraging mutual support, cooperation, and respect.