Empathy is often overlooked in leadership, but it’s a hidden superpower of great leaders that transforms workplaces, builds trust, and drives innovation. Despite its well-documented advantages—building trust, fostering innovation, and enhancing collaboration—empathy frequently takes a back seat. Why? For decades, traditional leadership models have emphasized efficiency and measurable outcomes over emotional intelligence. On top of that, many leaders mistakenly view empathy as a weakness or a distraction from achieving results. Without deliberate effort, empathy is often overlooked, leaving organizations without the human connection essential for long-term success. How can you develop greater empathy; the hidden superpower of great leaders?
For IMS educator Dr. Nicole Price, the power of empathy became clear through a deeply personal and life-changing event, the loss of her mother. “For much of my career, I led with logic and reason, sidelining empathy,” she recalls. “But losing my mom forced me to confront the human side of leadership. It taught me that true connection, trust, and accountability are rooted in empathy.”
This transformative experience became the foundation of her leadership philosophy, which she explores in her book Spark Your Heart: Engineering Empathy in Your Organization. The book challenges conventional leadership paradigms, offering a practical roadmap for leading with both empathy and accountability.
DEBUNKING MYTHS ABOUT EMPATHY
Dr. Price emphasizes the importance of addressing common misconceptions about empathy to unlock its true potential as a leadership tool. Here are some of the most prevalent myths—and the truths behind them:
- Myth: Empathy is Just “Fluff” – Empathy is anything but impractical. Studies show it drives innovation, boosts job satisfaction, and enhances performance. Organizations that prioritize empathy consistently outperform their competitors.
- Myth: Empathy Makes Leaders Weak – Empathy is a strength, not a weakness. It requires courage, resilience, and the ability to face discomfort head-on. Leading with empathy means acknowledging emotional realities while staying anchored in strong values.
- Myth: Empathy is an Innate Trait – Empathy isn’t fixed; it’s a skill that can be developed through deliberate effort. With the right mindset and strategies, anyone can cultivate empathetic leadership.
EMPATHETIC LEADERSHIP STRATEGIES
Empathy isn’t just a concept—it’s a practice that requires deliberate action. Dr. Price offers practical strategies to help leaders integrate empathy into their leadership style:
Align Your Vision – A compelling vision goes beyond words on paper. Leaders must clearly communicate not only what they aim to achieve but also why it matters and why others should follow. Dr. Price emphasizes that “When employees feel their needs and ‘whys’ are understood, they’re far more likely to give their best,” she explains.
Get Curious and Engage: By observing, asking thoughtful questions, and engaging with employees, leaders can gain valuable insights into workplace dynamics. Participating in team projects and fostering direct interactions help bridge the gap between leadership and staff, building trust and understanding.
Focus on the Three C’s: Empathy is strengthened through Confidence, Commitment, and Celebration. Confidence stems from believing in the transformative power of empathy, even if your efforts aren’t perfect. Reflecting on times when others showed you empathy reinforces this belief. Commitment involves staying true to the idea that understanding others’ feelings—even in challenging situations—creates a healthier, stronger workplace. Finally, celebration means acknowledging and finding joy in moments when empathy works, reminding you why it’s worth practicing, even when it feels difficult.
Empathy is more than a trendy leadership term—it’s the hidden superpower of great leaders. As Dr. Nicole Price highlights, leading with empathy demands intentionality, courage, and a willingness to challenge outdated ways of thinking. By making empathy a deliberate practice—through clear vision, meaningful engagement, and the three C’s—you can unlock your team’s full potential and cultivate a culture grounded in dignity and respect. Start today by reflecting on how you practice empathy and committing to weaving it into your leadership style.
For more information on this topic check out my conversation with best-selling author Mike Robbins. You might also want to visit some of our related blogposts; Closing the Trust Gap as a Leader, The Importance of Ethical Leadership, and What Makes Exceptional Leaders Stand Out.
ABOUT CHARLES GOOD
Charles Good is the president of The Institute for Management Studies, which provides transformational learning experiences that drive behavioral change and develop exceptional leaders. Charles is an innovative and resourceful leader who specializes in bringing people together to develop creative organizational and talent strategies that enable business results. His areas of expertise include assessing organizational skill gaps and leading the design, creation and delivery of high impact, innovative learning solutions that achieve business goals. Mr. Good is also the host of the Good Leadership podcast.