Empathic Leadership: Why Positive Leadership is Essential for Project Success
As leaders, we wear many hats throughout the day. Our roles can often mean taking on a lot of responsibility when it comes to the success or failure of different initiatives. However, there is one factor that many of us overlook in our approach to leading; and that is empathy.
Empathy has steadily risen in value as an important tool for positive leadership – and rightly so. The last few years have been difficult for so many of us in ways that we never thought possible. Leading with empathy allows your teams to form bonds more readily which can, ultimately, translate into successful project delivery.
In this post I’ll discuss my journey toward empathic leadership and why developing these skills can help you achieve not only your project goals but also develop a team you can truly be proud of!
Self Reflection
Looking back on my career, I realize that my leadership style played a critical role in the success of my projects. To that end, I wish I embraced the power of positive leadership earlier on in my career, as it would have saved me from many obstacles and mistakes in my own journey towards becoming an empathic leader.
When things get tough, it’s easy to fall into a negative mindset and lose sight of your team’s potential. But by cultivating a positive attitude and modeling resilience, you can inspire your team to achieve their best work and overcome any obstacle.
“When things get tough, it’s easy to fall into a negative mindset and lose sight of your team’s potential.”
My work has taken me to many parts of the United States and, as a young leader, I once had a boss named James who was a true master of positive leadership. Whenever the team faced a tough challenge or unexpected setback, he would remain calm and confident, modeling the kind of resilience and determination that inspired our whole team. In fact, in the year I spent reporting to James, I cannot mention a time in which he ever lost his cool or showed any signs of doubt in our team’s ability to deliver. That type of confidence was contagious.
Conversely, the year after working for James, I accepted a promotion and experienced working with a leader who completely lacked empathy in his leadership style. When ever the team faced a challenge or setback, this leaders would become angry and lash out, blame individuals, and created a culture of attacking people rather than seeking solutions.
This immediate contrast cemented my belief that empathy is a powerful component of leadership. When leaders lack empathy, they can damage their team’s morale and make it that much more difficult to overcome challenges. I’m confident that many of us can attest to this from first hand experience.
There’s a reason I can distinctly remember these two leaders, despite my being many years removed from being that young MBA. The same holds true for all of us. Great leaders are not easily forgotten because of the impact they have on our lives. These are leaders that leave an indelible mark on us. Though many years pass, we find ourselves grateful for the direction they have given us and we often strive to be leaders they were to us.
While great leaders inspire and leave a positive impact on our lives, the memory of leaders who
have not led from a place of empathy can haunt us for years to come. Most often, these leaders are remembered for their abusive behavior, lack of communication, and overall ineffectiveness. Their negative impact can be difficult to shake and often color our perception of leadership for years to come.
Aspects of Empathic Leadership
It’s been nearly a decade since I’ve worked for James and he is one of the many phenomenal leaders I’ve had the opportunity to work with over the years. Here are some positive leadership key principles that I have learned to embrace over time:
Empathy: Leaders who show empathy create a culture of trust and collaboration, enabling team members to feel heard and valued. By taking the time to understand your team’s perspectives and needs, you can build stronger relationships and foster a sense of belonging.
Vision: A positive leader sets a clear vision for the project, communicating the overarching goals and objectives to the team. This helps team members stay focused and motivated, knowing that their work is contributing to a larger purpose.
Accountability: Leaders who hold themselves and their team accountable for their actions and outcomes create a culture of excellence. By setting high standards and following through on commitments, you can inspire your team to take ownership of their work and strive for continuous improvement.
“…as a project manager, your leadership style sets the tone for the entire team.”
This is a short list, but when properly implemented the results are undeniably impactful! Leadership involves more than taking charge and driving results. Empathic leadership requires having an understanding of the people in your team, showing them appreciation, and motivating them to do their best work.
That’s why leaders with empathy often have a much larger impact on project success. Their ability to relate and understand their team enables effective communication while also creating a supportive environment that encourages everyone to reach their goals.
Empathetic Leaders Take Stock
Remember, as a project manager, your leadership style sets the tone for the entire team. Take time to examine your leadership style and explore how leading with empathy can affect change within your team.
As leaders, we must remember that our actions and attitudes have a lasting impact on our team members. We have the power to create memories that our team members will cherish, or ones that will leave them feeling regret, frustration, and disappointment.
By embracing positivity, empathy, vision, and accountability, you can create a work environment that empowers your team to achieve their full potential. These are lessons I have learned through experience, and I hope they can serve as a guide for you as you navigate your own leadership journey.
