Combining drive and empathy generates a highly effective leader with engaged direct report !
Nicolas BEHBAHANI
Global People Analytics & HR Data Leader - People & Culture | Strategical People Analytics Design
?? An intriguing finding: only about 15% of leaders excel in both empathy and drive!
?? Today’s most effective leaders aren’t choosing between being empathetic or driven—they’re mastering both.
?? Individual contributors often score higher in empathy, while top executives typically excel in drive.
?? If leadership is indeed a dance, it requires both the technical steps (drive) and the emotional connection (empathy) to create a performance worth watching, according to a new interesting research published by Zenger Folkman using data ?? from over 4,000 leaders through the eyes of their colleagues, managers, and direct reports.
?Two important aspects of Leadership: Empathy and Drive
Researchers examine two crucial aspects of leadership: empathy (the ability to connect with and understand others) and drive (the determination to achieve results):
?How Empathetic Leadership Drives Employee Engagement
Researchers found that leaders who mastered this balance ranked in the 91st percentile for overall leadership effectiveness—essentially the top of their class.
Even more telling was the effect on their teams: Employee engagement scores showed a clear pattern: high empathy leaders had teams that were significantly more engaged, even if their drive wasn’t as strong. Conversely, leaders with high drive but low empathy saw their team engagement drop by 8% points.
?Empathy and Dive in the organization level
Researchers observed that leaders at all management levels become more effective when they develop both skills. Individual contributors often excel in empathy, while top executives typically shine in drive.
?? Researchers compare leadership to a dance, it requires both the technical precision of drive and the emotional connection of empathy to create a captivating performance. Without one, leaders risk either stepping on toes or failing to move in harmony across the floor.
?? Researchers analysis of thousands of 360-degree feedback responses over the past three years revealed five key behaviors below that set highly empathetic leaders apart.
?? Eliminate the Executive Double Standard
Start by auditing your workplace policies: Are there unwritten privileges for senior leaders that create an us-versus-them dynamic?
?? Make Development a Daily Priority
The most impactful leaders treat talent development like breathing—it’s not a scheduled activity, it’s constant. This means spotting everyday coaching moments, like turning a project setback into a learning opportunity or dedicating the first ten minutes of your one-on-ones to career discussions rather than status updates.
?? Master the Art of Inspiration
While driving for results pushes people forward, inspiration pulls them along willingly. Think of it as the difference between ordering someone to climb a mountain and painting such a compelling picture of the view from the top that they can’t wait to start climbing.
?? Build Bridges Across Differences
Finding ways for everyone to cooperate and work together creates unity. Valuing differences and the diversity of team members sends a strong message of empathy to team members.
?? Embrace the Vulnerability of Feedback
The strongest signal of empathy is showing you’re willing to grow yourself.
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This insightful research highlights key patterns in modern workplace challenges: rising burnout rates, younger generations seeking more meaningful connections at work, and dispersed teams struggling to maintain cohesion. These issues transcend HR concerns—they are leadership challenges that directly affect the bottom line. The inspiring analogy of leadership as a dance, particularly the tango, emphasizes that both technical precision and emotional connection are essential to create something truly remarkable.
??Thank you Zenger Folkman researchers team for sharing these insightful findings:
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Head of Talent Development
5 天前This research highlights a crucial point, mastering both drive and empathy is what truly sets exceptional leaders apart. Inspiring to see these two qualities working hand-in-hand to create lasting impact.?
Unleashing talent potential with real-time people analytics: Empowering HR & leaders to enhance employee experience, save time, and cultivate a culture of high performance and well-being through personal leadership
5 天前Nicolas BEHBAHANI very valuable outcomes. Drive and Empathy are two very important behaviours that we can observe. Looking to the big question: how can organisations stimulate leadership in it? There are 4 major attention points that propel effective leadership 1) passion 2) self efficacy 3) motivation to grow 4) meaning. Shaping the right conditions for each of them creates leadership that makes impact.
Airport Duty Manager
5 天前Very insighful! While drive fuels progress, excessive focus on goals can make leaders seem detached. On the other hand, too much empathy might slow decisions or dilute objectives. Successful leaders tailor their approach to team dynamics and balance both traits to build a high-performing, cohesive team.
Industry Veteran | Exploring Future of Work | Great Manager’s Coach & Mentor
5 天前?? Hats off to Zenger Folkman for unmasking the leadership superpower: mastering both Drive & Empathy! ???? ?? Nicolas BEHBAHANI. ? Only 15% of leaders have nailed this combo, meaning it’s no easy feat. ?? D&E - The seeds are sown by the Country, Community, & Culture of the workplace. ?? Taking a trip down memory lane, the Country (Japanese Govt.) ensures every student learns humility by cleaning their own classrooms daily & cooking for fellow students. The Community instills respect for the family, whilst.. Companies teach that "Customer is King," emphasizing Respect, Humility, & Smart work. ??♂? Moreover, in Japan, the practice of Omotenashi (selfless hospitality) & the principle of Kaizen (continuous improvement) highlight how Empathy & Drive can coexist. These values demonstrate that true leadership integrates both technical expertise & emotional intelligence, setting a high bar for success. ?? In today's leadership dance, it’s not just about the steps (drive) but also the rhythm (empathy). Like the tango, you need both finesse & passion to truly lead. ????
I agree