Are you investing enough in yourself, a better way to change minds, empathy is the greatest leadership trait and more.
Thank you for reading my latest article. In my work as an advisor, coach and consultant to ambitious and leading boards, CEO’s, executives and teams, I come across important developments and people that are shaping the future of business and leadership. Every Friday I share my round-up of interesting stories so you can find the most important leadership and business thinking. I hope you enjoy them! If you haven’t already, feel free to follow me on LinkedIn or Twitter. Happy reading!
People may not remember what you say, but they will always remember how you made them feel
I know empathy may not be a new skill, but research is highlighting its importance for everything from innovation to retention and how empathy is a leadership competency to develop.
- 61% of employees compared to only 13% of employees with less empathetic leaders report they are more innovative.
- 76% of people who experienced empathy from their leaders reported they were engaged compared with only 32% who experienced less empathy.
- 50% of people with empathetic leaders reported their workplace was inclusive, compared with only 17% of those with less empathetic leadership.
- When people feel their leaders were more empathetic, 86% reported they are able to navigate the demands of their work and life—successfully juggling their personal, family and work obligations.
Being an empathetic leader takes action. We have to make the time to personally consider others, communicate and inquire about challenges directly, watch for red flags and signals, listen to employees’ responses – and more importantly do something.
It makes sense, doesn’t it! We’ve all had lots of leaders in the past. I bet the ones you remember are the ones where you remember how they made you feel. They are the ones you would turn to today for advice.
I believe empathy is one of the most important qualities a leader can have. What about you?
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Are you investing enough in yourself?
In business, performing under pressure and working under immense stress is par for the course. While so many of us keep a close eye on the health of our business, can we say the same about our own mental and physical health?
3 Ways to Boost Retention Through Professional Development
While increasing compensation, promoting from within, offering flexible schedules, and making remote work easier are always good talent strategies, there’s one lever leaders can pull that’s highly accessible, doesn’t have to be expensive, and gives employees something they really want: on-the-job professional development.
6 expressions that empathetic leaders avoid
These common phrases might come from a caring place, but it’s important to ensure your words communicate empathy and understanding.
A Gentler, Better Way to Change Minds
What is the point of arguing with someone who disagrees with you? Presumably, you would like them to change their mind. But that’s easier said than done: Research shows that changing minds, especially changing beliefs that are tied strongly to people’s identity, is extremely difficult.
Building Healthy Habits When You’re Truly Exhausted
Forming a new habit in the best of times can be difficult, let alone trying to make changes when you’re already spent. The last couple of years have stretched almost everyone. And you may find yourself exhausted and feeling doubtful that you can really turn your situation around — or simply confused about where to begin.
How to Deal with Constantly Feeling Overwhelmed
The cognitive impact of feeling perpetually overwhelmed can range from mental slowness, forgetfulness, confusion, difficulty concentrating or thinking logically, to a racing mind or an impaired ability to problem solve.
Great Leaders Are Thoughtful and Deliberate, Not Impulsive and Reactive
All leaders have two selves. There’s the self we prefer to present to the world – the one that is run by our pre-frontal cortex and is measured, rational, and capable of making deliberate choices.
From last weeks edition:
- Discover Your Leadership Score
- 5 Ways A Legacy-Driven Mindset Will Define Your Leadership
- Three Mistakes Even The Smartest CEOs Make
- Great leaders + great coaches = creative energy
- How to Be Creative When You’re Feeling Stressed
- Struggling to fight burnout? This may be the missing fix you need
- How to Be a Purpose-Driven Leader in a Capitalist World
About Me
I’m a global business & executive coach, strategic advisor and consultant with over 25 years of experience building, developing and scaling global, market-leading companies. I am obsessively passionate about helping leaders, change-makers and businesses to grow faster and unlock breakthrough results and I’ve been privileged to be trusted to advise 100’s of CEO’s from multi-billion dollar international corporates to start-ups.
Whether you are a new CEO looking to embed your leadership, an organisation undergoing major strategic and transformational change, or an executive team that wants to improve performance, I can help you and your team overcome your challenges and address your most important opportunities. I also provide longer-term support as a Non-Executive Chairman / Director or Board Advisor and serves on the board for several organisations.
– Let’s discuss your key opportunities and challenges.
