Without Empathy We're Without Leadership
Ken Carlson
Experienced Executive Coach and Leadership Trainer with a knack for working with Geeks; Specializing in Engineering, Science, Math, and Medical.
We've rebranded as PricklyPear! In early 2023, we began sharing weekly content (see below) with a focus on neurodivergent leaders and we truly hope it has made a difference for you. Recently, we introduced you to a new company that I (Ken) and Petra Russell, PCC, CPC, ELI-MP have launched to specifically serve neurodivergent leaders.
As Executive Coaches and Leadership Trainers we've had the opportunity to work with hundreds of neurodivergent leaders and coach them through many leadership and workplace challenges. Each week we will continue to share resources and insights for neurodivergent leaders and the rest of us.
This week we focus on empathy--a key trait for leadership but also a trait that all of us as humans can get better at.
______________________________________________________________
Without Empathy We're Without Leadership
I'm ashamed of myself.
My mission is to create a world of fierce love. I really blew this one.
His face said it all as I glanced at him and he glared back on my way to the bathroom. It was 8 hours into a 10 hour flight and he was in the seat behind me. Anger. Sadness. Frustration.
Over the last 8 hours, I had consistently moved my chair back and forth according to my best comfort without even considering the impact on him. I had every right (at least in my mind) to recline my chair to it's full extent but I realized something on my walk to and from the restroom.
I had made this man less than human in my flying experience. As I saw his face and the way his body was about 2 sizes too big for the seat he was crammed into, I found myself experiencing empathy and compassion. It must have really sucked for him to be on this flight.
I'm ashamed that it took me so long to notice the human behind me.
How about you? Do you get stuck thinking about what you have a right to instead of focusing on the humans around you? What do you think this says about your leadership? Do people really want to follow us as we walk around without empathy? Of course not.
In the Anatomy of Peace by the Arbinger Institute it says this: "the more sure we are that we are right, the more likely it is that we are mistaken. My need to be right makes it more likely that I am wrong!" And I was so sure I was right!!!
I forgot my practice to really notice the humans around me. I will do better next time. I will keep on practicing empathy and compassion. I hope someday it comes so naturally that I don't have to think about it--until then, I'll keep practicing.
In two weeks, we are having a LinkedIn event on Zoom about Empathy--please join us! Wheel of Neurodivergent Leadership: Recognizing and Expressing Empathy It will be a great conversation about Empathy and the real-life challenges and opportunities of Neurodivergent leaders.
______________________________________________________________
Past Articles: Neurodiverse Leadership Resource Library
Want more resources on neurodiversity leadership? We are finding and creating resources for you. Watch this section expand every week.
领英推荐
_______________________________________________________________
Staying In Touch
What leadership challenges are you facing??We’d love to hear from you - feel free to set up a time to chat here: Let's talk!
Make sure you never miss an issue! Click the "subscribe" button in the upper right-hand corner of the page. For more articles and insights, connect with me here.
Executive Coaching - Guiding High Impact Leaders to Drive Business Results and Empower Their Teams
8 个月I loved that book, as well as "Leadership and Self-Deception" from the Arbinger Institute