The Empathy Edge: Leading with Heart in a Tough World

In this final part of our 4-part Energy Refuel and Reset mini series we share 3 scenarios that demo the need and the challenges around balancing empathy with edge. Caring personally, challenging directly and practical examples for how to do this with peers, direct reports and managing upwards.

Important Takeaways
Leading with heart and empathy isn't about making work easier.
It's about making work more human and sustainable.
Real behaviours of leadership should be defined personally.
Clarity and kindness are essential in leadership.
Setting boundaries is crucial for effective leadership.
Empathy enhances workplace culture and performance.
Heart-led leadership fosters emotional intelligence.
Leadership requires self-reflection on behaviours.
Human connection is vital in the workplace.
Sustainable performance is achieved through empathy.

0:00
Setting The Stage: Empathy Edge
1:08
Recap Of The Four-Part Series
2:20
Why Empathy Needs An Edge
4:58
Scenario 1: Superstar Skips The Office
8:10
Curiosity, Fairness, And Clear Standards
10:40
Organizational Clarity And Boundaries
13:25
Avoiding Pedestals And Sustaining Culture
16:05
Scenario 2: Too Much Empathy Hurts Delivery
19:10
Language Shift: Empathy Plus And
21:10
Acknowledge Then Hand Back Ownership
23:20
Experience Versus Expectation: The Balance
25:05
Scenario 3: Managing Up For Vision
28:00
Framing The Ask And Timing Right
30:00
Perceptual Positioning: Scan And Plan
33:10
Reflection Questions To Reset
35:05
Series Wrap And Key Takeaways
36:40
Calls To Action And Next Series Tease
37:54
Gratitude, Credits, And Listener Links