A leadership revolution: How empathy-driven leadership is changing management
The world of work has changed as we know it.
In the past, most C-suites were filled with leaders of similar backgrounds—even similar faces.
Today, the corporate world is evolving, mirroring the values and changes in our society. Diverse individuals are the leaders of the future.
With these new changes come new demands from managers. In the fourth industrial revolution, you have to up your game.
What you knew before? Throw that away!
Empathy and self-awareness are just skills you will need to lead as a manager successfully.
These qualities enhance a manager's ability to understand and connect with their team members on a deeper, more meaningful level. We often talk about EQ (emotional quotient) or emotional intelligence, which describes one's ability to understand and handle one's emotions and those around them.
Much research points to emotional intelligence being the answer to workplace woes—from managerial/staff disputes to improving policies, more individuals with EQ could improve the workplace.
But the catch? Most employees already feel their managers need to understand them. Here's how you can change that:
Self-improvement and self-awareness
It starts with you. Emotional intelligence allows managers to recognize and regulate their emotions, which is crucial in maintaining a motivated work environment.
Understanding yourself as a person, in turn, helps you as a manager make rational decisions and handle conflicts constructively.
This self-awareness also helps build trust and credibility among team members, as employees are likelier to respect a manager who demonstrates emotional intelligence.
Empathy
Good emotional intelligence enables managers to empathize with their team members.
Empathy is not just a skill but a powerful tool that allows managers to deeply understand the perspectives and emotions of others. This leads to better communication and conflict resolution.
According to McKinsey & Company, Employees who believe their organizations, especially their managers, are empathic tend to call in sick with stress-related illnesses less often.
When employees feel supported, they are more likely to be committed to their work. Here's what can come from being empathetic:
- Higher job satisfaction
- Lower turnover rates
- Increased loyalty to the organization.
The ability to work with people
In today's dynamic business world, soft skills like emotional intelligence are no longer an addition but a requirement in your qualifications. People skills encompass a range of abilities:
- Lead with empathy
- Communicate effectively
- Resolve conflicts skillfully
- Negotiate successfully
- Foster teamwork