Power of Empathy in Leadership
Natraj Jaklair
Strategic Talent Acquisition/Attraction Expert?for Cutting-Edge Tech and AI Leadership Roles!
I was going for a walk in my society when I noticed something unusual. One of the walkers who used to usually walk briskly, was walking slowly. Every time I saw him thereafter, I noticed a woman walking slightly ahead of him. Out of curiosity, I approached the walker and asked him for any reasons for slowing down. He then revealed to me that the woman I saw walking ahead of him was his mother. He explained that he was walking slowly to motivate his mother to walk faster and said that this approach was helping his mother to come for walks even with pain in her joints as it gave her confidence to keep up with him.
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The power of this anecdote lies in the fact that it exemplifies the essence of true leadership - the ability to put the needs of others before your own. The walker's selfless act of walking slowly to motivate his mother to walk faster is a shining example of the "Servant Leadership" style, where the leader serves as a facilitator or guide. Coincidentally, I was reading about "Servant Leadership" few days ago and this anecdote was apt for this kind of leadership style.
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Often, we associate leadership with aggressive, task-oriented, or commanding individual. In contrast, "Servant Leadership" focuses on building relationships, empowering team members, and creating a positive environment for growth and development.
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The anecdote also highlights the impact of small acts of kindness and empathy in leadership. By walking slowly with his mother, the walker not only helped her to overcome her physical pain but also boosted her confidence and self-esteem, inspiring her to keep up with him.
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This story serves as a reminder that leadership is not about titles or positions, but rather about taking responsibility and showing up for others. As a leader, you have the power to inspire, motivate, and empower those around you, and it all starts with small, selfless acts of kindness and empathy.
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I did work with quite a few leaders who exhibited "Servant Leadership" directly or indirectly during my career. I'm glad that I got opportunity to work and learn about power of empathy, selflessness and empowerment.