Empathy and authenticity are not just buzzwords – they are powerful leadership qualities that can transform company culture. Last month we hosted Rich Belsky on our podcast to talk about how leaders understand and value their employees to create workplaces where people are productive and genuinely engaged. 

According to Rich, leadership centers around achieving high performance and helping employees to be the best they can be. Emotional intelligence is a key attribute that helps leaders accomplish this function. This blog post will dive into how empathy and authenticity in leadership transforms company culture.

Empathy in Leadership

Traditional leadership styles see leaders as detached, authoritarian figures. This style sharply contrasts empathetic leadership that focuses on understanding and sharing one’s feelings. Unlike authoritarian leaders, empathetic leaders use their emotions to build strong relationships with their team members which fosters a culture of trust and mutual respect. 

Rich Belsky’s coaching experience underscores the importance of empathy in leadership. One of his clients, initially a "wartime CEO" who believed in strict control and tough management, transformed his leadership style through empathy. By learning to listen actively and understand his employees' concerns, this leader managed to turn around the company's culture and significantly improve team morale.

Authenticity in Leadership

Along the same vein of thought, authentic leaders openly and effectively express themselves, honor commitments and encourage this behavior in others. It’s about doing what you say you are going to do and being who you say you are.

Belsky's own story provides a powerful example of authenticity in leadership. Reflecting on a low point in his career when he acted out of alignment with his true self to score points with his bosses, he realized the importance of being genuine. This self-awareness prompted him to adopt a more authentic approach to leadership, one that prioritizes personal integrity and the well-being of his team.

The Importance of Empathetic and Authentic Leadership 

Authenticity in the workplace is the single strongest predictor of an employee’s job satisfaction, engagement commitment, and workplace happiness. Authentic leaders are genuine, self-aware, present and transparent. They inspire loyalty and trust by consistently honoring commitments and keeping promises. This leads to higher levels of trust within the organization, greater productivity and a more positive working environment. 

Rich believes the first step to becoming an empathetic and authentic leader comes from accepting the fact that it’s okay to bring your emotions out, and then figuring out how to do it in a professional way that speaks to them. 

Below are qualities of an authentic leader:

• They have a high level of self-awareness.
• They recognize their people’s contribution and actively encourage others to be heard and communicate their thoughts, feelings and opinions.
• They have high levels of self-discipline which gives them focus and determination together with the ability to set and work towards specific goals.
• They create a sense of common purpose – commitment to the company mission and values, and understand how they align to the business goals.  This helps drive employee engagement and commitment.
• They foster a positive work environment.
• They seek feedback from, and learn from their people and respond effectively when challenged.
• They are lifelong learners and continuously look for opportunities to advance and improve.
• They express their thoughts and feelings in a way that is sensitive to others and their individual perspectives.
• They connect and are forward thinking, seeing the bigger picture as well as the world from others’ perspectives.

Authentic leaders have a sense of purpose. They’re passionate, engaging, highly motivated, driven, and persuasive. They truly care about the work they’re doing. Companies with empathetic and authentic leaders are more sustainable in the long run. Below we will highlight how to transform company culture through empathy and authenticity.   

Transforming Company Culture through Empathy and Authenticity

True leadership is not about control and commanding; it’s about providing unwavering support and encouragement. Empathetic and authentic leaders understand that their role is to uplift their teams and foster an environment where individuals feel valued and empowered to excel. They recognize that success is built on trust, respect, and the genuine care they show for their team members, rather than the micromanagement and authoritarian directives. In order to start practicing empathy and authenticity, take these steps:

1. Enhance communication. Practice active listening.
2. Be Transparent. Share your thoughts, values and decision-making processes with your team.
3. Show vulnerability. Share your challenges and mistakes.
4. Prioritize Employee Well-Being. Make the well-being of your employees a top priority. Create a supportive work environment.
5. Lead by Example. Model the behavior you want to see in your team.

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In a world where the traditional notions of leadership are being challenged, adopting an empathetic and authentic approach can set your company apart. By fostering a culture of trust, open communication, and mutual respect, you can drive sustainable success and create a work environment where everyone can thrive. To listen to the whole episode, download the Unboxed Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts.