Listen "How to Lead with Empathy"
Episode Synopsis
Episode Summary:
In this episode, I’ll share a recent story about getting a puppy and the unexpected lessons I learned about leading with empathy—for myself and for others. We’ll explore the top reasons people struggle to lead with empathy and uncover the secrets to making the shift from using force, pressure, blame, or shame to embracing empathy as a leadership style.
Whether you’re navigating the challenges of the workplace, managing a team, or just trying to lead a more compassionate life, this episode is packed with insights to help you lead with heart and humanity. So, let’s jump in!
Segment 1: First Puppy Experience
My Idea: Why I decided to get a puppy despite the challenges.
Family Influence: How my kids’ ages and my son's affection played a role.
My M.O.: Adding complexity to life when things seem smooth.
Segment 2: The Struggle
Initial Challenges: Sleepless nights, exhaustion, feeling overwhelmed.
Self-Blame: Feeling I didn’t deserve support because I chose this path.
Changing the Narrative: Recognizing the need for empathy and support despite making a difficult choice.
External Reactions: How others’ comments reflected a lack of empathy.
Segment 3: Empathy and Life Choices
Empathy in Hard Choices: Examples like motherhood, big moves, and difficult relationships.
Deserving Empathy: Understanding that choosing a difficult path doesn’t negate the need for empathy.
Segment 4: Understanding Empathy
Definition: Empathy vs. Sympathy.
Struggles with Empathy:
Segment 5: Empathy in Leadership
Leadership Examples: Handling underperforming team members.
Traditional Approaches: Pressure, force, blame, and shame.
Empathetic Leadership: Believing in the person's best effort and their deservingness of support.
Coaching Experience: Transforming a leader’s approach to be more empathetic.
Segment 6: Practical Steps and Summary
Self-Empathy: The importance of practicing empathy towards oneself.
Two Key Beliefs
Coaching Insights: How leading with empathy can reveal underlying issues and improve leadership effectiveness.
Conclusion:
Understanding Conditioning: How life experiences shape responses, especially under stress.
Overcoming Blind Spots: Recognizing and addressing hidden barriers to effective leadership.
Final Thoughts: Embracing empathy as a core leadership quality for better results and a more compassionate approach.
Call to Action:
Reflect on your own empathy levels.
Practice the two key beliefs in your leadership approach.
Share your thoughts and experiences with empathy in leadership on our social media channels.
Stay Connected:
Follow me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarakobrien/
Learn More: saraobriencoaching.com
Email: [email protected]
In this episode, I’ll share a recent story about getting a puppy and the unexpected lessons I learned about leading with empathy—for myself and for others. We’ll explore the top reasons people struggle to lead with empathy and uncover the secrets to making the shift from using force, pressure, blame, or shame to embracing empathy as a leadership style.
Whether you’re navigating the challenges of the workplace, managing a team, or just trying to lead a more compassionate life, this episode is packed with insights to help you lead with heart and humanity. So, let’s jump in!
Segment 1: First Puppy Experience
My Idea: Why I decided to get a puppy despite the challenges.
Family Influence: How my kids’ ages and my son's affection played a role.
My M.O.: Adding complexity to life when things seem smooth.
Segment 2: The Struggle
Initial Challenges: Sleepless nights, exhaustion, feeling overwhelmed.
Self-Blame: Feeling I didn’t deserve support because I chose this path.
Changing the Narrative: Recognizing the need for empathy and support despite making a difficult choice.
External Reactions: How others’ comments reflected a lack of empathy.
Segment 3: Empathy and Life Choices
Empathy in Hard Choices: Examples like motherhood, big moves, and difficult relationships.
Deserving Empathy: Understanding that choosing a difficult path doesn’t negate the need for empathy.
Segment 4: Understanding Empathy
Definition: Empathy vs. Sympathy.
Struggles with Empathy:
Segment 5: Empathy in Leadership
Leadership Examples: Handling underperforming team members.
Traditional Approaches: Pressure, force, blame, and shame.
Empathetic Leadership: Believing in the person's best effort and their deservingness of support.
Coaching Experience: Transforming a leader’s approach to be more empathetic.
Segment 6: Practical Steps and Summary
Self-Empathy: The importance of practicing empathy towards oneself.
Two Key Beliefs
Coaching Insights: How leading with empathy can reveal underlying issues and improve leadership effectiveness.
Conclusion:
Understanding Conditioning: How life experiences shape responses, especially under stress.
Overcoming Blind Spots: Recognizing and addressing hidden barriers to effective leadership.
Final Thoughts: Embracing empathy as a core leadership quality for better results and a more compassionate approach.
Call to Action:
Reflect on your own empathy levels.
Practice the two key beliefs in your leadership approach.
Share your thoughts and experiences with empathy in leadership on our social media channels.
Stay Connected:
Follow me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarakobrien/
Learn More: saraobriencoaching.com
Email: [email protected]
More episodes of the podcast Lead Easy
Building Influence WITHOUT Authority
31/07/2025
Lead With Energy, NOT Authority
24/07/2025
Why Women Leaders Spiral in Decision Fatigue
17/07/2025
ZARZA We are Zarza, the prestigious firm behind major projects in information technology.