“One moment that stands out is when I was leading a major change management project that directly impacted a large number of employees. The challenge was immense—tight deadlines and a strong focus on the bottom line dominated the agenda. However, I recognized early on that without a human-centric approach, the project would fail.” - reflects Iphigenia, Senior Advisor and Strategy Consultant.
“As I engaged with male stakeholders, particularly at the C-level, I had to convince them that empathetic communication and considering the human impact of decisions were not just ethical but strategic imperatives. I emphasized that by addressing employees’ concerns and creating an environment of trust, we could actually drive faster and more sustainable results.
This approach wasn’t easy to sell in a traditionally male-dominated setting where hard metrics often rule. But by bringing empathy to the forefront, we were able to align the team, reduce resistance to change, and ultimately meet our objectives. This experience highlighted how qualities like empathy and emotional intelligence, often associated with female leadership, can be decisive factors in overcoming challenges and ensuring the success of complex initiatives.”
Through the example of Iphigenia, in this article we’ll dive deeper into how you can be the emphatic leader you wish you had.
embrace not knowing
Often, leaders are expected to have all the answers, but empathy requires a willingness to face the unknown.
This means acknowledging that you may not fully understand someone else's situation or challenges. By being non-judgmental, you open yourself up to deeper, more genuine listening, which creates space for employees to feel valued and heard.
When you approach interactions without assumptions, it creates a work culture where everyone can feel safer to share their perspectives, especially during times of change or uncertainty.
listen actively
Active listening goes beyond hearing words; it’s about fully engaging with the speaker, making them feel seen.
This means avoiding interruptions, maintaining eye contact, and asking open-ended questions that encourage dialogue.
By reflecting back what the other person is saying, you validate their feelings, which can significantly increase trust. Remember, effective listening is one of the strongest tools for leaders who want to build lasting connections and improve team morale.
avoid “one-size-fits-all” answers
In a diverse team, each person brings unique strengths, backgrounds, and experiences. What works for one employee might not work for another.
As an empathetic leader, strive to tailor your approach based on each individual’s needs and circumstances. This doesn’t mean compromising on fairness; rather, it shows respect for their individuality. Whether it’s offering flexible working hours, personalized feedback, or specific resources, customizing support is a powerful way to demonstrate genuine care.
commit to being empathetic
Empathy should not be something you only practice when convenient; it needs to be a consistent part of your leadership approach.
This means scheduling regular check-ins with your team, creating spaces where people feel free to express themselves, and taking time to understand their personal and professional aspirations.
When you make empathy a priority, it shapes a workplace culture where open communication and mutual support become the norm, fostering stronger relationships and higher levels of trust.
don’t just listen: act
Listening is only the first step. Once you understand your team’s concerns or challenges, it’s essential to take action.
For instance, if an employee shares that they feel overburdened, explore options to adjust their workload or allocate additional resources.
Taking concrete steps shows your team that you value their well-being and are committed to creating a positive work environment. Remember, when your actions align with your words, you build credibility and inspire loyalty.
advocate so that others can live up to their potential
Lastly, to take being an emphatic leader one step further, it’s crucial to advocate for the importance of being such.
“During a crucial meeting, I proposed a strategy that I believed was essential for the project's success. Despite presenting well-researched data and a strong rationale, my suggestions were dismissed by some team members without serious consideration. This happened repeatedly, with my ideas often being overlooked or trivialized.
What tested my resolve was the need to persistently advocate for my ideas while navigating a culture that seemed resistant to change. It required a lot of resilience and strategic communication to ensure my contributions were acknowledged. I had to continually assert my expertise and remain composed, despite the lack of support and empathy from some colleagues.
This experience taught me the importance of perseverance and the value of building alliances with those who recognized and supported my vision. It also reinforced my commitment to fostering a more inclusive and empathetic environment for others who might face similar challenges.” shares Iphigenia.
leading with empathy: a lasting impact
Empathetic leadership isn’t just about feeling or expressing compassion—it’s about creating a culture where people feel genuinely valued, supported, and inspired. By consistently showing up with empathy, you lay the foundation for trust, resilience, and collaboration within your team. This approach can not only boost morale but also lead to stronger performance, as people are more likely to thrive in an environment that respects and nurtures their unique strengths.
When you lead with empathy, you become the kind of leader others aspire to be, and the positive impact of that leadership extends far beyond your immediate team. Empathy transforms the workplace into a place where challenges are shared, achievements are celebrated together, and everyone has the opportunity to grow. In the end, this is the kind of legacy that lasts—one where people remember you not just for what you accomplished but for how you made them feel and helped them become the best version of themselves.
about Iphigenia
Over 25+ years in a male-dominated industry, my leadership journey has been driven by a commitment to continuous learning, developing soft skills, and embracing cross-cultural understanding. While I built a strong technical foundation, I quickly realized that thriving required more—particularly empathy, communication, and emotional intelligence. By prioritizing these skills, I navigated complex dynamics and fostered inclusive, innovative teams. My focus on understanding different cultures was key to breaking barriers and leading with a vision centered on sustainability, inclusivity, and collaboration. Engaging diverse stakeholders, I’ve driven meaningful change, showing that leadership transcends gender and is about empowering others.
Comments