Compassionate Empathy: Leading With Extraordinary Support in Unprecedented Times

Eleanor Roosevelt once said, "𝑇𝑜 ℎ𝑎𝑛𝑑𝑙𝑒 𝑦𝑜𝑢𝑟𝑠𝑒𝑙𝑓, 𝑢𝑠𝑒 𝑦𝑜𝑢𝑟 ℎ𝑒𝑎𝑑; 𝑡𝑜 ℎ𝑎𝑛𝑑𝑙𝑒 𝑜𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑠, 𝑢𝑠𝑒 𝑦𝑜𝑢𝑟 ℎ𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑡." 

This is a good reminder just how easy it is to forget the human element that is at the core of our work. Empathy, in my opinion – is one of the most important leadership competencies now, and in the future. Consider this: Can AI demonstrate empathy?I don’t think so. 

Artificial Intelligence lacks subjective experience, emotions, and genuine concern for others' well-being. AI can simulate a sort of cognitive empathy per se, such as understanding and predicting emotions based on data, but I don’t believe that AI is able to experience emotional or compassionate empathy.

Only YOU, a human, can do that. The best leaders will prioritize integrating empathy into their leadership practices. The best organizations will ensure their leaders are supported in deepening their compassionate empathy skills.

Whether you are leading classrooms or projects within academia, managing a non-profit, or supervising a team – those we serve need our compassionate empathy. When we lean into compassionate empathy with every interaction, it helps others feel heard and understood. Empathy, active listening, and genuine concern for others build trust and inspires loyalty.

Currently where neighbors are being kidnapped off the street, U.S. citizens are being detained for looking like or being in proximity to an undocumented immigrant, where SNAP and other basic humane social safeguards are at risk of being decommissioned, when our government is still under a shut down – those we are leading may feel attacked or threatened from multiple perspectives.Don’t let one of those perspectives be YOU.

Consider the uncertainty of these times and the fear it breeds. Consider why an employee who performed well might seem “distracted”. Don’t assume that just because whatever-it-is, is not happening to them directly, that they are not deeply impacted. Consider this and lead accordingly. 

It can take a ton of energy and emotional labor not to bring “personal issues” to work or to the academic classroom. However, many of our students and those we lead are running on empty. Their ability and willingness to leave their “personal issues” at home, has become more difficult. 

So be ready to lead in ways you may not have anticipated.Freshen up on your compassionate empathy leadership skills.

Be ready to lead with empathy, transparency, and extraordinary support for unprecedented times.

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✅ If this resonates with you, invite me to speak to your professors, supervisors, team leaders, or aspiring leaders for a Lunch-and-Learn, Keynote, or Sermon on 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗘𝗺𝗽𝗮𝘁𝗵𝘆: 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗪𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗘𝘅𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗼𝗿𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝗨𝗻𝗽𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗲𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗧𝗶𝗺𝗲𝘀. 

I’m also available to facilitate my unique 𝗜𝗻𝗰𝗹𝘂𝘀𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗦𝗲𝘅𝘂𝗮𝗹 𝗛𝗮𝗿𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴. I believe that the best leaders are proactive in preventing sexual harassment. My training satisfies compliance requirements in all states, mitigates risk, and nurtures a healthier workplace. My curriculum includes examples and guidance that lifts the wide spectrum of diversity into its scenarios and best practices.

This includes but isn’t limited to gender identity, sexual orientation, neurodivergence, ethnicity, lifestyle, and those living with disabilities. Representation matters. Live, inclusive sexual harassment prevention training can be more meaningful and effective than generic, click-button, self-paced online experiences. This is offered live in person or virtually.

DM me to learn more. I’d love to connect. 💞