Why finding a balanced approach to authentic, empathetic leadership is important
authentic leadership: finding balance
I get asked so often how to balance all the many wonderful ways of leading humans, in particular how to balance the idea of leading authentically without going ‘to far’, especially when leaning into vulnerability.
Striking a balance between authenticity and professionalism can be a fine art, particularly for empathetic leaders who often feel a strong connection to their teams. Here are some strategies to navigate this balance effectively:
1. Understand the Boundaries of Vulnerability
Appropriate Sharing: Share personal experiences or emotions that are relevant to the situation and that can serve as a learning point for the team. Avoid oversharing details that could make others uncomfortable.
Focus on Solutions: When discussing challenges or setbacks, emphasise how you overcame them or what you learned, rather than just dwelling on the difficulties. This keeps the conversation constructive and forward-looking.
2. Model Emotional Intelligence
Self-Awareness: Recognize your own emotional triggers and understand how they might influence your interactions. This awareness helps you to manage your emotions and responses appropriately in a professional setting. Self-awareness is so important.
Empathy with Boundaries: While it’s important to empathise with your team, maintain a clear distinction between understanding others’ feelings and taking on their emotional burdens. This helps you provide support without becoming overwhelmed or losing objectivity. Often leaders avoid empathy because they fear the burden it might bring; it doesn’t need to be overwhelming
3. Prioritise Transparency with Discretion
Be Transparent but Selective: Share your thoughts and feelings openly but consider the impact of your words on your team. Transparency builds trust, but it should be balanced with discretion to maintain team morale and respect.
Contextual Leadership: Tailor your level of openness to the context. In high-stress situations, your team may need reassurance and stability more than vulnerability, while in more reflective settings, sharing challenges may foster deeper connections.
4. Maintain Professionalism
Keep the Mission in Focus: Always connect your personal stories or feelings back to the team's goals and mission. This ensures that your vulnerability serves a purpose and supports the overall work rather than detracting from it.
Balanced Decision-Making: Even when feeling strongly about an issue, ensure that your decisions are based on objective criteria and not solely on emotional responses. This maintains your credibility as a leader.
5. Encourage Healthy Dialogue
Create Safe Spaces: Foster an environment where team members feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and emotions, knowing that it will be received with respect and confidentiality. However, be clear about the distinction between support and therapy—leadership is about guiding and supporting, not solving personal problems. There are ways you can direct team members to appropriate additional support.
Promote Mutual Respect: Encourage team members to express themselves, but also to respect the boundaries and emotions of others. This helps maintain a professional atmosphere even when dealing with sensitive topics.
6. Self-Care and Resilience
Set Personal Boundaries: Be mindful of your own limits. Empathetic leaders can easily become emotionally drained if they’re constantly absorbing the emotions of their team. Regularly reflect and recharge to avoid burnout.
Seek Support: Don’t hesitate to seek advice or mentorship from other leaders who understand the challenges of empathetic leadership. This external perspective can help you maintain your own balance. I’m here for you 😉
7. Continuous Learning
Develop Emotional Regulation Skills: Invest time in learning techniques like mindfulness, stress management, and active listening. These skills help you maintain composure and respond thoughtfully and appropriately in emotional situations.
Reflect and Adjust: Regularly reflect on your interactions and their outcomes. If you find that certain approaches are leading to unintended consequences, adjust your strategies accordingly.
In summary, showing up authentically as a leader means being true to yourself while also being mindful of the impact your actions and emotions have on others. By balancing openness with professionalism, and empathy with boundaries, you can lead in a way that is both genuine and effective. It feels like a lot to think about, but it is more natural than a list portrays. With a little insight and understanding, you will be well on your way to being your true self whilst being an incredible empathetic leader.
