"Empathy is about standing in someone else's shoes, feeling with his or her heart, seeing with his or her eyes. Not only is empathy hard to outsource and automate, but it makes the world a better place."
– Daniel H. Pink

Empathy has long been seen as a 'soft' skill, something nice to have but not always critical for business results. However, research shows something entirely different. Today, we know that empathy and compassion are crucial factors for successful leadership – both for creating a sustainable work environment and for driving results.

Empathy and compassion – what is the difference?

To understand why empathy is such a powerful trait in leadership, we need to distinguish between empathy and compassion:

• Empathy is about understanding and sensing the feelings of others – to 'stand in someone else's shoes'.
• Compassion goes a step further. It means not only understanding another person's feelings but also wanting to help and taking action to make a positive difference.

Leaders who develop both empathy and compassion create stronger teams, higher motivation, and better results.

Empathy as a compass for leadership

Andreas Olsson, who is a researcher at Karolinska Institute, describes empathy as a compass – an inner guidance that helps us understand and manage human relationships. Research shows that our empathetic ability can be influenced by group affiliation and biases, which means that leaders must actively practice listening to and understanding all employees, not just those they identify with.

Seeing empathy as a compass means that you as a leader use it to make better decisions – not solely based on numbers and strategies, but from a deep understanding of people and their needs.

Research is clear: Empathetic leaders perform better

According to research at Hult International Business School, Professor Roger Delves argues that empathy is one of the most important factors in building trust within teams. He emphasizes that empathetic leaders create a culture where people feel heard and seen, which leads to higher engagement and productivity.

Karolinska Institute also emphasizes the importance of understanding and training empathy, as it is not only an emotional ability but also a skill that can be developed through conscious reflection and practice.

Coaching can help you develop empathy as a leader

Developing empathy is a process that requires awareness and practice – and here coaching can play a crucial role. Professional coaching helps leaders to:

✔ Reflect on their own assumptions and biases – What invisible filters affect your leadership?
✔ Listen actively and ask better questions – How can you become better at truly understanding what your employees need?
✔ Handle difficult conversations with greater presence and understanding – How can you communicate so that others feel both heard and motivated?

Leadership requires timing

As the world changes faster, technology automates tasks, and hybrid work creates new challenges, human skills become more important than ever. As Daniel H. Pink notes in his book WHEN: The Scientific Secrets of Perfect Timing it is not just what we do that determines our success – but also how and when we do it.

Empathy is one of the few traits that cannot be automated. It is also a trait that makes the world better – and workplaces more successful.

How do you want to be remembered for your leadership?

In a time where remote work, rapid changes, and increased demands affect both leaders and employees, empathetic leadership becomes a crucial factor for success. A responsive leader is not just about being nice – it is a strategy for success.

Coaching can help you develop your empathetic ability and create a work culture where people thrive, perform, and grow.

👉 Are you ready to take your leadership to the next level? Book a first conversation at no extra cost with me here, and we will talk about how you can lead with your inner compass and empathy as your guiding star.