Leading with Empathy and Perspective
A program designed to cultivate empathy and perspective in leaders, focusing on the transition from individual contributor to responsible leader, and addressing the importance of taking care of those in your charge. Inspired by Simon Sinek's insights on leadership.
Program Modules
Understanding the True Role of a Leader
Explore the shift in responsibility from individual performance to the well-being and development of team members. Understand that leadership is about taking care of those in your charge.
Redefine 'Leader' - Reflect and Write
DailyTake 15 minutes to write your personal definition of a leader, focusing on responsibility to the team, not just authority. Use habit stacking: after your morning coffee, redefine 'leader'.
“The real job of a leader is not about being in charge it's about taking care of those in our charge.”
Daily Leadership Reflection
DailyEach day, take 5 minutes to reflect on your leadership actions and how they align with your definition. Reduce friction: set a calendar reminder with a direct link to the reflection prompt.
“Leadership is a skill like any other is a practicable learnable skill and it is something that you work on it's like a muscle.”
Cultivating Empathy in Leadership
Learn to understand and respond to the needs and concerns of your team members, fostering a supportive environment. Apply implementation intentions: 'If I see a team member struggling, I will ask them 'Are you okay?''
The 'Are You Okay?' Exercise - Simulation
WeeklyPractice approaching team members whose performance is declining with concern and empathy, asking 'Are you okay?' instead of focusing on the numbers. Frame as a potential loss: highlight the negative impact on the team if empathy is lacking.
“Your numbers are down for the third quarter in a row are you okay I'm worried about you what's going on.”
Creating a Culture of Vulnerability
Learn how to foster an environment where team members feel safe admitting mistakes and seeking help. Apply social norms: share examples of leaders who have successfully created vulnerable teams and the positive impact.
Share a Past Mistake - Team Discussion
MonthlyShare a past mistake with your team and explain what you learned from it. Nudge: provide a template for sharing mistakes to reduce anxiety.
“What vulnerability means is you create an environment in which someone feels safe enough to raise their hand and said I don't know what I'm doing.”
Understanding Selfless Responsibility
Learn how to take responsibility for both failures and successes on your team. Address group dynamics: discuss how to ensure credit and blame are distributed fairly and transparently.
Publicly Give Credit - Reflection
MonthlyAfter a successful project, publicly credit the team members who contributed to the project. Consider loss aversion: highlight the negative impact on team morale if credit is not given where due.
“When everything goes right you have to give away all the credit and when everything goes wrong you have to take all the responsibility that sucks right”
What You'll Accomplish
- Understand the true role of a leader as one who supports and develops their team, prioritizing their well-being.
- Develop empathy and perspective in interactions with team members, recognizing their individual challenges and needs.
- Create a culture of vulnerability where team members feel safe admitting mistakes and seeking help, fostering trust and collaboration.
- Embrace the responsibility of leadership, giving credit when things go right and taking responsibility when things go wrong, building a sense of accountability.
- Prioritize the needs of the people who are responsible for your customers over maximizing shareholder value, understanding the link between employee satisfaction and customer success.
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