As a construct, empathy is fundamental to leadership. It is a key element of emotional intelligence which, as several researches suggest, is essential for leading effectively.

But in light of today’s unique as well as stressful context, what does this translate into?

At a time when we are profoundly impacted professionally and personally, practicing empathy takes on a whole new meaning. The simple act of checking in with people, expressing interest in understanding their problems, and proactively helping them cope become the foundations of deep connections rooted in trust.

A common albeit orthodox misconception about prioritizing empathy as a leader is that it gets in the way of productivity, impacting performance negatively. This, however, could not be further from reality.

Empathy and Performance: What is the connection?

To understand the link between employee performance and empathy, we must recognize that the former does not exist in a vacuum. It is influenced by several key elements that fall into two broad categories — organizational culture and employee experience. The compelling impact that empathy has on both, is irrefutable.

In a 2019 study, it was found that 96% of employees believe showing empathy is an important way to advance employee retention. Yet, only 50% of them believed that the organization’s leaders actively demonstrated it. Weaving empathy into the culture of an organization and therefore, the employee experience, starts from the top. Leaders who display empathy help create an inclusive culture, ensuring that their teams feel heard and empowered. It may be a soft skill but committing to it, leads to positive business outcomes enabled by increased employee performance.

Cultivating Empathy As A Leader

Fortunately, empathy is not a fixed and innate trait. With time and the right coaching and developmental initiatives, it can be learned as well as enhanced.

1. Make It Official

   It is not enough to know that empathy is critical for leadership. Leaders need to establish that it is valued just as much, if not more, as other result-focused and task-oriented skills. In today’s workplace, it is important to set up specific measures to assess the individual and organizational capacity for empathy. This is the time to get intentional and walk the talk.

2. Encourage Boundaries

   One can’t claim to be sensitive to others’ needs and challenges without respecting their boundaries. Prioritizing empathy every day means creating an environment where employees feel safe to set their personal and professional boundaries. Every organizational leader must ensure that these lines, even when blurry, are not breached. A relatable example is exchanging work-related communication on WhatsApp. Especially in the current times, employees can benefit from the lack of obligation to be available online beyond work hours.

3. Focus On The Future

   At a time when people are constantly feeling disconnected and anxious, leaders have a powerful opportunity to build a community that fosters compassion and hope. As people share their grief and anxieties, leaders have the responsibility to listen and also, act. They must gently refocus people towards the idea of a brighter future. The goal should always be to channel individual vulnerabilities into creating a better tomorrow, as a collective.

‘To win in the marketplace you must first win in the workplace.’ - Doug Conant

The overwhelming importance of focusing on empathy and practicing it every day is not restricted to the current crisis. Empathetic leaders are an asset to the organization, not only because they can build and sustain authentic relationships, but also because they create empathetic leaders of tomorrow.