Facing Disruption? Empathy is Your Secret Weapon

In times of disruption, empathy is essential.

When chaos hits, the instinct to jump in and fix things feels urgent, but real leadership starts with listening. Empathy isn’t a soft skill; it’s a strategic advantage.

In uncertain times, understanding people deeply offers insights that data alone can’t reveal. It’s what allows leaders to connect and inspire resilience in their teams.

What 350 Disruptors Taught Me About Empathy

Through my work leading the multi-year Disruption Project at Vanderbilt University, I’ve had the privilege of interviewing 350 disruptors worldwide, from unsung heroes to household names. One quality that consistently emerged among these positive disruptors was empathy.

Whether they were transforming industries, connecting more meaningfully with family, meeting an unmet customer need, or addressing a gap in society, empathy emerged as the foundation for their impact.

Why Empathy Can Be Hard—and Why It’s Worth It

Empathy requires slowing down, especially difficult in disruptive times. The “alpha leader” might think, “I already know the problem and the solution—why waste time listening?”

But leaders who skip empathy often misread the room, missing the unique needs and concerns that arise in uncertain times.

True empathy means fully listening—without interrupting or planning your next response. It’s about tuning in to what’s said and unsaid and understanding the person behind the message.

Empathy Drives Connection and Change

Empathy is transformative: it reveals what people truly need, allowing you to respond in ways that matter.

People aren’t motivated by the same things. Some thrive on big challenges, while others prefer steady progress.

As psychologist Heidi Halvorson notes, discovering each person’s “motivational fit” lets leaders help them thrive. Empathy isn’t optional in disruption; it can’t be faked or checked off a list.

So start with empathy. Listen deeply, understand fully, and lead from there. In times of disruption, empathy doesn’t just connect—it inspires resilience, drives change, and helps people become their best selves.

Make it a great day!

Patrick

P.S. Want to bring more disruptive insights to your team? Contact my colleagues, Canesha Appleton and Michele Lucia , to learn more.