What is empathetic leadership?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Empathetic leadership is a leadership style deeply rooted in showing empathy for team members through perceiving their emotional states.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Simply speaking, empathy means that we\u2019re able to understand and recognize the emotions of others. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
This doesn\u2019t imply feeling sorry for others \u2014 that would be compassion. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Rather, empathy is the ability to understand why people feel the way they do, regardless of what we personally think of it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
As CEO Marie Unger<\/a> explains, being an empathetic leader means \u201chaving a genuine interest in understanding the thoughts, feelings, and opinions of others, and embracing multiple perspectives.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n This type of leadership style has a positive impact on productivity. Accordi<\/a>ng to the EY US Consulting Study<\/a>, 85% of employees link increased productivity with an empathetic leadership style. <\/p>\n\n\n\n However, it\u2019s not easy to maintain this type of leadership, as research shows leaders feel they\u2019re more empathetic than their team members believe. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Namely, the 2024 State of Empathy Report <\/a> shows that 55% of CEOs claim they\u2019re empathetic leaders, but only 28% of their team members share this impression.<\/p>\n\n\n \n Elevate productivity with CAKE.com<\/p>\n \n Combine time tracking, team communication, and project management to boost your organization\u2019s productivity \u2014 with the CAKE.com Suite.<\/p>\n \n An empathetic leader is someone who actively listens to their employees, takes a genuine interest in why they\u2019re behaving in a certain way, and makes decisions that are based on empathy rather than on rigid policies. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The same leader exhibits self-awareness, has a high level of emotional intelligence, is trustworthy, reliable, honest, and an efficient communicator. At the same time, an empathetic leader is vulnerable, authentic, and flexible. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Essentially, an empathetic leader makes employees feel seen and understood. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Further reading: <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Emotional intelligence is one of the most essential pillars of successful leadership. Read on to learn why.<\/p>\n\n\n\n One of the most famous empathetic leaders is the 16th president of the United States, Abraham Lincoln<\/strong>, who led America through the Civil War, and whose life mission was to understand the perspective of others \u2014 even when it seemed impossible. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Lincoln\u2019s famous quote, \u201cwith malice toward none, with charity for all\u201d, was a pillar of his leadership philosophy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Another example of an empathetic leader is Jacinda Arden<\/strong>, the former PM of New Zealand. She strongly believes that there is strength in empathy: <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cOne of the criticisms I\u2019ve faced over the years is that I\u2019m not aggressive enough or assertive enough, or maybe somehow, because I\u2019m empathetic, it means I\u2019m weak. I totally rebel against that. I refuse to believe that you cannot be both compassionate and strong.\u201d<\/em> – Jacinda Arden<\/p>\n\n\n\n Finally, another who is said to lead with empathy is Satya Nadella<\/strong>, the CEO of Microsoft, a people-oriented leader who showed that your company can be wildly successful if you treat your employees with care and respect.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In fact, he claims that empathy is at the core of his actions in everyday life, not only at work: <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI have learned that when I infuse empathy into my everyday actions, it is powerful, whether they be in my role as a father or as a CEO.\u201d<\/em> – Satya Nadella<\/p>\n\n\n\n The answer to why empathy is important in leadership lies in the fact that empathy creates a work environment the employees want. <\/p>\n\n\n\n After all, as Unger believes the Great Resignation has shown us, “people want to work for companies where their voices matter and they feel valued.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n We all want a work environment<\/a> brimming with trust, a sense of belonging, and authenticity, which makes empathy in leadership more important than ever. <\/p>\n\n\n\n And the research done so far just backs up these claims. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Namely, the EY US Consulting Study<\/a> we mentioned earlier found that 87% of its participants think empathetic leadership inspires positive change within the workplace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Further reading:<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n Apart from empathetic leadership, there are many other types of leadership styles. Here are some of them: <\/p>\n\n\n\n There are steps that you can take to become an empathetic leader, increase empathy in the workplace, and create an environment where people will love working. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Note that you don\u2019t have to be competitive about it \u2014 as Executive VP and Global CFO Rani Puranik<\/a> emphasizes, leaders should embrace the inputs of other leaders, \u201cespecially when they have more experience \u2014 because every person has something valuable to contribute.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n With this disclaimer out of the way, let\u2019s move on to practical examples of how you can improve your empathetic leadership. <\/p>\n\n\n\n You should exercise active listening<\/a> as much as you can.<\/p>\n\n\n\n CEO, Author, Speaker, and Trainer Rob Volpe<\/a> emphasizes the importance of paying attention to the person who is speaking to us: <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThere\u2019s wisdom in the expression \u2018we learn more from listening than talking.\u201d<\/em><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n And what does active listening look like in practice? <\/p>\n\n\n\n You stop what you\u2019re currently doing, focus all of your attention on the person in front of you, and, once they stop speaking, you paraphrase what they said and ask for clarification, if necessary. <\/p>\n\n\n\n So, listen without any judgement \u2014 and don\u2019t jump in with stories from your own experience or otherwise interrupt the speaker. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Get into the habit of asking questions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The empathetic leadership style implies that you have the ability to understand what is going on in your team. Questions are a great way to reveal any hidden dissatisfaction and communication glitches. <\/p>\n\n\n\n That\u2019s why founder Kristen Nielsen Donelly<\/a>, Ph.D, says \u201cdon\u2019t assume that you know how everyone wants feedback, handles fluorescent lights, or feels about remote work. Ask them.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Also, don\u2019t be afraid of difficult conversations. <\/p>\n\n\n\n As Donelly states, \u201cif you notice that one of your employees is a bit \u2018off\u2019 \u2014 ask them why instead of brushing it off.\u201d<\/em> According to Donelly, \u201cthings like that make a difference\u201d<\/em> and most importantly, enable demonstrating empathy in a simple way. <\/p>\n\n\n Reminders of empathetic leadership practices on Pumble <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Self-awareness is an ongoing process of observing your own behavior, asking others for feedback, and acknowledging that you need to work on your thoughts or actions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Volpe shares that \u201cit\u2019s difficult to dismantle judgement if you aren\u2019t able to have self-awareness of your own behavior and thoughts\u201d. <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n For example, if you become aware that you don\u2019t ask many spot-on questions at work, you can work on it. That\u2019s how you can continue to develop your empathetic leadership skills. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The opportunities are endless here, and we agree with the Founder and CEO Kim Crowder<\/a>, when she emphasises that \u201cbuilding this awareness will never be completed\u201d<\/em>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Being honest and transparent<\/a> about processes, intentions, and reasoning behind decisions is demonstrating empathy, at its finest. This means that your team doesn\u2019t fear any hidden agenda you may have. <\/p>\n\n\n\n As Art Shaikh<\/a>, founder and CEO, puts it, empathetic leaders are \u201cmaking sure that their team is aware of everything that is going on and why decisions are made.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n An example of this could be saying you\u2019re not feeling completely OK today, instead of your usual \u201cEverything\u2019s great!\u201d reply<\/em>. CEO and Author Patrick Thean<\/a> points out that to be empathetic \u201cone must first be willing to be vulnerable and willing to share oneself in an authentic way.\u201d <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Empathy in leadership is mirrored in the way you communicate with your team on a daily basis. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Volpe shares practical examples of phrases you can implement in your language when speaking to your employees. <\/p>\n\n\n\n These include \u201cI understand where you are coming from\u201d<\/em> and \u201cI can see your point of view\u201d<\/em>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Apart from this, he adds that such acknowledgements should be \u201ccoupled with a statement reflecting that other perspective and how it is informing the decision being made.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n So, strive to become an effective communicator<\/a> by incorporating useful phrases that reflect your leading with empathy. <\/p>\n\n\n \n Effortless communication begins with Pumble<\/p>\n \n Enjoy unlimited chat history, threads, public and private channels, high-quality video calls, and more.<\/p>\n \n The empathetic leadership style leads to an atmosphere of trust in your company. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Actually, trust is so essential that Thean strongly believes that \u201cwithout trust, it is impossible to gain learning about the other person to be empathetic.\u201d<\/em> <\/p>\n\n\n\n Thean then emphasizes that \u201ctrust is important if you want to retain your best employees\u201d<\/em>, and also \u201cif you wish to make a positive impact on the people that you serve\u201d.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Thean concludes that creating an atmosphere of trust \u201cwill help any leader be the best leader they can possibly be\u201d.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n So, building trust implies you need to be trustworthy in the first place. People need to know that they can rely on you and that you\u2019ll make decisions that are in their best interest. <\/p>\n\n\n\n No formal empathetic leadership skills development course or training will ever be able to compensate for simply being authentic at work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n And how do you achieve this? <\/p>\n\n\n\n By following all the steps we already mentioned above. Become aware of your strengths and weaknesses, listen to others, take a real interest in your employees\u2019 lives, be trustworthy, and as honest and transparent as possible. <\/p>\n\n\n\n For example, to be an authentic leader, you can connect with your employees by taking a moment and asking them to recommend their favorite movie, a new restaurant, or a band. And then you can share your recommendations and show them a different side to your personality. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Finally, allow yourself to be vulnerable. Thean shares that \u201cvulnerability builds trust\u201d<\/em>, but we would also add that it connects you and your team on a much deeper level \u2014 as we are all humans after all. <\/p>\n\n\n Asking for a movie recommendation on Pumble <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Don\u2019t be afraid of demonstrating empathy in your everyday leadership. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Although it may be scary in the beginning, the benefits that we mentioned \u2014 such as an atmosphere of trust in your team, higher productivity levels, and other positive changes in the workplace \u2014 are well worth any risk you may think is associated with being an empathetic leader. <\/p>\n\n\n\n How will you know if you succeeded? <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Leading with empathy is a work in progress \u2014 you may make plenty of mistakes, but eventually, you\u2019ll get there. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If your employees come to you for advice, or with a problem they\u2019re facing, without hesitation \u2014 you\u2019re on the right track. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Empathetic leadership can be made even easier with the team communication app <\/em>Pumble<\/em><\/a>, which is a part of our <\/em>CAKE.com Bundle<\/em><\/a>. It\u2019s a place where you can efficiently share ideas, updates, future plans, personal stories, and much more. Check it out!<\/em> <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" What is empathetic leadership, why is it important, and how can you implement it into your leadership style? Based on the newest research and expert insights.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":38,"featured_media":3595,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[10],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-3593","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-career-upgrade"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n![\"Elevate](\"https:\/\/cake.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/banner-productivity-suite.png\")
\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n \n\n\n\nWhat does it mean to be an empathetic leader?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
Examples of empathetic leaders<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The importance of empathy in leadership<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
Actionable steps to develop and maintain empathetic leadership<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Exercise active listening<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/cake.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Rob-Volpe-headshot-1.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nAsk good questions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"an](\"https:\/\/cake.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Reminders-of-empathetic-leadership-practices-on-Pumble-1110x697.png\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nPractice self-awareness<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Be honest and transparent <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Take communication to the next level <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"Effortless](\"https:\/\/cake.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/banner-pumble.png\")
\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n \n\n\n\nCreate an atmosphere of trust in your team<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Be authentic<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"An](\"https:\/\/cake.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Asking-for-a-movie-recommendation-on-Pumble.png\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nLet leading with empathy become your mission<\/h2>\n\n\n\n