Leader - Empath
"I am an empath. I can hear what you are not saying." Unknown
I'm going to go out on a limb here and state that leaders should be empaths or at least have empath qualities. According to a professional article, "15 Signs You May Be An Empath," produced by Healthline, a health and wellness forum, an empath is someone who is highly attuned to the energies and emotions of those around them. Empaths are said to feel what others are feeling so deeply, they absorb or take on the emotions themselves the article states.
Being an empath can be a burden but so too can being a leader. The burden consists mainly of the emotional baggage one might carry as they "absorb" emotions. Empaths require some form of self-care - body armor, perhaps so that they can both deal with the emotions they may take in like a sponge but also know when to guard against these emotions to foster the growth of a subordinate and or protect their own well-being.
Leaders should be attuned to their people. They should know them on a deeper level so that when events occur, things are said, or tasks are directed, they have some sense of how it will impact them. If Joseph, who is uncomfortable presenting to a group of people, was tasked to teach this month's safety training, a leader may console him offering presentation and preparation tips to assuage his fears. Joseph's leader may attend the training to show support, soaking up some of Joseph's angst.
Leaders as empaths should be able to imagine responses not stated. Knowing Jessica, Carl has some sense of what she may say to herself when asked to shift her sales approach to meet this quarter's financial goals. Carl, knowing Jessica has some selfish characteristics, can reinforce that what is being asked is being asked for the sake of the team. Carl should avoid equating experiences, "Jessica, I know how you feel..."
In the Healthline article, one of the signs is, "you have a hard time not caring." I feel this when I know my people are suffering. Like a parent, I empathize. Another sign is, "people tend to tell you their problems." This one can be tough but on its surface I see it as a positive sign. If people feel comfortable sharing their problems with you, then there is sufficient trust built. On the other hand, if you are simply a complaint department, you may be too empathetic or be known as a leader who solves everyone's problems.
Have a look at the 15 signs this article outlines. Use them to examine your own leadership and see if you are an empath. If you find that you or your leadership approach has empath qualities you have it more right than wrong.
Leader - Empath.
Make it Personal!
Rob
Rob Campbell