Why Should Leaders Care? The Importance of Compassion and Empathy in Leadership

Life is a delicate balance. We can have times when we struggle, and things don't go as planned, but it can become truly catastrophic if one doesn't take the time to lead themselves down the right path. It's an issue that I know firsthand due to my own struggles in 2018, replacing my daily exercise with beer-induced escapism. It's an all too familiar trend at its worst. I had a heartbreaking reminder of this when I lost a good friend in Singapore back in 2019. And then we have Tony Hsieh with Zappos. The loss of Tony Hsieh was heartbreaking for business leaders everywhere. His impact with Zappos is remembered as a successful venture in providing customer service with a lasting impression. Tony rekindled the saying of "the customer is always right" in an innovative way that led to the long-term success of Zappos. I had the privilege of attending his Delivering Happiness boot camp in Las Vegas in 2013 and have fond memories from the experience. It goes to show that true success in business, and in life for that matter, is more than just being excellent at your craft. Leadership, after all, involves so much more than what you can bring to the table professionally. Leaders are expected to be good stewards of those who follow them, and part of that stewardship is ensuring the leader is taking care of their own health and wellbeing. Self-care should be a top priority for any successful businessperson. Without it, they risk burnout or an inability to think clearly under pressure due to fatigue or neglecting other areas of their life.

A good leader is someone who leads by example, and that starts with taking care of themselves first. A leader that doesn't prioritize their own well-being will not have the energy or knowledge to effectively motivate and inspire others. This isn't selfishness, it's self-care – something that every good leader is aware of. As cliché as it may sound, in order to inspire others, you must be inspired yourself, so making sure you are taken care of is the premier step to becoming a successful leader. If a leader puts themselves first, then they will be in the optimum mental state for understanding and guiding those under their command. Good leadership comes from being able to put yourself in someone else's shoes, experience how they think and feel, and project that empathy onto those you are leading – something that can only be done if you are focused on taking care of yourself first.

When you practice self-leadership and get your morning routine in order, the impact on how productive and energized your day is can be remarkable. By sleeping well, eating healthy, and exercising daily, it's a great way to set yourself up for success - not only for the day ahead but for the long term. As an added bonus, when you take good care of yourself, not only will you feel happier about who you are, but those positive vibes tend to rub off on those around you. With a little effort now and then, such as establishing short-term goals, carrying out specific tasks with discipline, and having faith in yourself - you will start to form a habit that will yield immense rewards later down the line. Make it a team effort, and watch just how far your positivity can go!

Leadership is about more than just giving orders and taking charge. It's also about caring for the people who follow you and the goals you work towards together. In fact, compassion and empathy are two of the most essential qualities of excellent leadership. Leaders who care about their team members, customers, and stakeholders are more likely to build strong relationships and create an environment in which everyone can thrive. 

Let's explore why leaders should care and how to cultivate compassion and empathy as a leader.

1. Caring Creates Trust: 

When you show that you care about your team members, customers, or stakeholders, you build trust and loyalty. People want to work with someone who genuinely understands their challenges, values their contributions, and respects their needs. A leader who cares creates a culture of trust, which engenders loyal followers and more effective collaboration. Trust is critical in any relationship, and it's even more important in a business environment. Compassionate leaders can create an atmosphere in which everyone feels valued, and they foster a sense of belonging and trust within the team.

2. Caring Demonstrates Emotional Intelligence: 

Compassionate leaders are emotionally intelligent, meaning they're aware of their own emotions and able to manage them effectively. They're also able to read other people's emotions and respond appropriately. Leaders who care about their team members are in tune with their people's emotions and can connect on a deeper level. They can also recognize when someone is struggling, and they can offer support or make accommodations to help that person succeed. Emotional intelligence is a vital part of leadership, and compassion and empathy are two of its key components.

3. Caring Boosts Performance: 

Compassionate leaders can create an environment in which everyone feels valued and motivated to succeed. When people feel cared for, they're more likely to work harder and be more innovative. They're also more likely to stay with a company for a longer period, reducing turnover and boosting morale. Companies with more engaged employees are more productive and profitable. Leaders who care enough to create a work environment that fosters creativity and empowerment benefit not only their team but also the communities they serve.

4. Caring Encourages Positive Change: 

A leader who cares about their team, customers, or the community is more likely to take action to create positive change. They'll be more willing to listen to feedback, adapt to changing circumstances, and work collaboratively to solve problems. They'll also make better decisions because they're invested in their company and its success. A leader who truly cares creates meaningful change by balancing the needs of their shareholders with the best interests of their employees, the environment, and society.

5. Caring Attracts Other Compassionate People: 

Finally, leaders who are compassionate and empathetic attract other compassionate people. When people feel cared for and valued, they're more likely to recommend others to work with them. This attracts more talented people who want to work for an organization that values its people and makes a positive difference in the world. A company that is known for its compassionate leadership will stand out in the community and attract customers and potential employees who share its values.

In conclusion, leaders who care create a more positive work environment, boost performance and create positive change in their community. They demonstrate emotional intelligence and inspire loyalty and trust. Cultivating compassion and empathy takes effort, but it's a worthwhile investment that pays off in many ways. When leaders care about their people, everyone benefits, and the organization becomes an agent of change and a force for good. So if you want to become a better leader, start by considering how you can show more care for your people, your customers, and the greater community. The results will be well worth it.