Dr. Donya Ball is transformative superintendent, renowned for her leadership expertise, keynote speaking, and executive coaching. Author of Adjusting the Sails (2022) and Against the Wind (2023), she captivates audiences and readers globally for her thought leadership, including her TedXTalk, "We are facing a leadership crisis. Here's the cure."
This is the second article in a three-part series expanded from Dr. Donya Ball's 2024 TEDx Talk, "We are facing a leadership crisis. Here's the cure." Each installment explores a critical element of leadership: consistency, empathy, and authenticity, which together serve as the trifecta for overcoming the leadership challenges of today.
In today’s workplace, leaders are often measured by their ability to deliver results. However, results without relationships can lead to disjointed teams, high turnover, and disengagement. When confronted with contentious leadership situations, such as those involving politics, cultural differences, or religious beliefs, leaders are often triggered to react with fear or judgment. These reactions can create divisions and hinder collaboration, ultimately undermining organizational success.
Empathy, the capacity to understand and share the feelings of others, offers a transformative alternative. It is not a soft skill; it is a core leadership competency. In fact, the 2024 State of Workplace Empathy Report highlights that 92% of employees believe empathy is a crucial factor in retention and performance.
Why empathy matters in leadership
Empathy in leadership builds trust, fosters collaboration, and enhances organizational morale. Differences and disagreements among people are inevitable; however, division is a choice. Leaders who demonstrate empathy create inclusive cultures where employees feel valued and understood. A 2024 study published in Economic Sciences emphasized that empathetic leadership significantly enhances employee satisfaction and reduces burnout. When leaders listen and respond with care, they foster psychological safety, which is essential for innovation and problem-solving.
Cultivating empathy: The neural and behavioral connection
Empathy isn’t just an innate trait; it’s a skill that can be cultivated through intentional effort. Neuroscientific research indicates that practices like active listening and mindfulness enhance neural pathways associated with emotional intelligence, enabling leaders to connect more deeply with their teams. Techniques such as perspective-taking exercises and strategic listening can deepen connections with others, contributing to higher emotional intelligence.
Additionally, mindfulness training has been shown to increase the efficiency of brain pathways that process sensory information, improving attention and emotional regulation. Harvard Health (2021) notes that mindfulness practices help leaders manage stress and remain composed under pressure, creating a stable environment for their teams. Similarly, the Science of Mind Foundation (2022) highlights that active listening not only improves emotional intelligence but also strengthens interpersonal relationships by fostering mutual understanding and trust.
Empathy also strengthens interpersonal relationships, making it easier to resolve conflicts and inspire loyalty. Leaders who regularly engage in empathy-building practices report higher team cohesion and improved decision-making under pressure.
Actionable steps to cultivate empathy
Just as with consistency, developing empathy requires deliberate effort. Leaders who prioritize empathy improve team dynamics and inspire trust. Here are three actionable strategies to enhance your empathetic leadership:
Practice active listening
Listening isn’t waiting for your turn to speak; it’s fully engaging with the speaker to understand their perspective. Dedicate time in meetings or one-on-one conversations to truly hear your team members. Reflective listening, which involves summarizing what the speaker has said and confirming understanding, helps build rapport and demonstrates genuine care. A 2020 study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health found a positive relationship between supervisors’ active-empathetic listening and employee engagement. This highlights the value of listening as a tool to build trust and foster deeper connections with your team.
Leaders often mistakenly believe their role is to prove others wrong. However, the true purpose of leadership is not to win arguments but to better understand people. By approaching interactions with a mindset of curiosity and a desire to understand, leaders can create an environment where ideas are shared freely and solutions are collaboratively developed. To understand is to listen. This shift from judgment to understanding fosters stronger relationships and drives organizational success.
Cultivate curiosity – Ditch judgment
Empathetic leaders approach conversations with curiosity rather than judgment. Ask open-ended questions like, “Can you tell me more about that?” or “How can I support you?” This approach not only uncovers valuable insights but also demonstrates a commitment to understanding others’ experiences. Leaders who cultivate curiosity inspire creativity and foster a culture of innovation.
Replacing judgmental or dismissive statements such as “You are wrong” with open-ended phrases like “Tell me more” shifts the dynamic of conversations. Instead of shutting down dialogue, these words invite further discussion, providing insight into differing perspectives and uncovering underlying concerns. This simple phrase fosters psychological safety, encouraging individuals to share openly and collaboratively work toward solutions.
Create space for vulnerability
Empathy flourishes in environments where vulnerability is welcomed. Share your own challenges or mistakes as a leader to create a safe space for your team to do the same. A 2022 study published in Frontiers in Psychology found that authentic leadership positively influences employee flourishing through organizational support and trust. This study underscores how vulnerability can act as a bridge to build deeper, more authentic connections with teams.
Empathetic leadership in action
Consider the story of a retail company manager who noticed a significant drop in employee morale. Instead of implementing strict performance measures, the manager held a series of listening sessions to understand employees’ concerns. By addressing their feedback and introducing more flexible work arrangements, the manager not only improved morale but also increased productivity.
In a school district, a superintendent faced declining teacher retention. By implementing empathy-driven leadership, including regular staff surveys and emotional support initiatives, teacher satisfaction improved by 40% in one year. A 2024 study published in the Journal of Educational Leadership and Policy Studies identified five key factors that impact teacher retention: positive school culture, supportive administration, strong professional development, mentoring programs, and classroom autonomy. Implementing these factors can lead to improved teacher satisfaction and retention.
At a multinational corporation, a CEO introduced a “Wellness Week” after noticing increased stress levels among employees. By offering resources such as mindfulness workshops and mental health support, the initiative boosted employee satisfaction and retention. According to a 2023 McKinsey report titled The Value of Empathy in the Workplace, organizations that prioritize empathy in their leadership strategies see improved overall performance and employee well-being.
The impact of empathy
Empathy transforms leadership from transactional to transformational. By understanding and addressing the emotional and professional needs of their teams, empathetic leaders foster cultures of trust, innovation, and resilience.
As we explore this leadership series, it’s clear that empathy is more than a feel-good principle; it’s a strategic imperative. Leaders who lead with empathy inspire loyalty, improve performance, and create environments where individuals and organizations thrive. Stay tuned for Part 3, where we’ll delve into the power of authenticity in leadership and its role in driving sustainable success.
Dr. Donya Ball, Leadership Expert, Motivational Speaker & Author
Dr. Donya Ball is a renowned keynote speaker, transformative superintendent, and passionate author. With over two decades of experience, she also serves as a professor and executive coach, mentoring and guiding aspiring and seasoned leaders. She has authored two impactful books, Adjusting the Sails (2022) and Against the Wind (2023), which address real-world leadership challenges. Her expertise has garnered national attention from media outlets like USA Today and MSN. Dr. Ball’s TEDxTalk, "We are facing a leadership crisis. Here’s the cure," further highlights her thought leadership.
