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Empathy might be the most misunderstood leadership skill out there.

We praise it in theory but downplay it in practice. Why? Because empathy often gets mistaken for indulgence or emotional overload.

But in truth, it’s one of the most strategically powerful tools you can use to build trust, deepen commitment, and move people forward.

Here’s what we’re missing when we treat empathy like fluff: it’s not about being nice, it’s about being effective.

Let’s start with the disconnect:

According to the 2024 State of Workplace Empathy Report, 55% of CEOs believe they lead with empathy, but only 28% of employees agree.

That’s a massive perception gap. And closing it takes more than good intentions. It takes practice, presence, and clarity about why empathy actually works.

Why does empathy move people?

Backed by the 2025 study, "Empathy in Leadership: A Systematic Literature Review on the Effects of Empathetic Leaders in Organizations," here’s what the research shows:

→ We’re wired for empathy.

Empathy activates the brain’s social circuitry, building trust and openness. It helps regulate stress responses in high-stakes conversations, creating space for psychological safety and creative problem-solving.

→ It reduces resistance and increases buy-in.

When people feel seen, their defenses lower. They become more receptive to feedback, more likely to collaborate, and more motivated to deliver. Not out of fear, but connection.

→ Empathy increases performance.

The literature review found a strong link between empathetic leadership and outcomes like employee satisfaction, loyalty, innovation, and even profitability.

Empathy works because it creates the conditions where people feel:

→ Safe to speak up

→ Motivated to contribute

→ Committed to the bigger picture

So, how can leaders use empathy, without falling into emotional burnout or blurred boundaries?

→ Think of empathy as data.

Empathy isn’t about absorbing emotion, it’s about gathering information. Tuning into emotional cues gives you insight into team dynamics, unmet needs, and underlying tensions.

Try this: In your next 1:1, ask: “What’s feeling heavier than it should right now?” OR “Is there something we’re not talking about that would help move things forward?”

→ Listen to understand, not to fix.

You don’t need to jump to solve or soothe. Just holding space, without minimizing or rushing in, helps people feel seen and start processing on their own.

Try this: When someone shares something difficult, ask: “What do you need most right now: space, support, or solutions?” OR “Do you want to be heard or helped?”

→ Anchor empathy in structure.

When empathy is built into your systems, not just reserved for crisis, it becomes a leadership norm. This keeps care from being performative or inconsistent.

Try this: Add a check-in question to your weekly team meeting: “What’s one word to describe how you're showing up this week?” Block 10 mins in your 1:1s to ask about how the work is going, not just what’s getting done.

Want to Lead with Empathy?

Empathy is more than a feeling, it’s the currency of connection that moves people and builds lasting trust. Research shows that emotional intelligence, the skill set that includes empathy, is what truly distinguishes great leaders. Psychologist Daniel Goleman identifies empathy as one of five essential components that help leaders connect deeply, manage emotions, and inspire action.

If you’re stepping into a leadership role and want a grounded, practical way to develop empathy alongside the core skills that drive effective leadership, my six-week intensive, New Leader Launch, is designed for you. With live teaching sessions, interactive group coaching, and real-world tools, you’ll gain the confidence and capabilities to lead with heart and impact.

We start on September 9th. I’d love to see you there!

Learn more or enroll today → www.lauriebaedke.com/new-leader-launch.

I'm rooting for you!

CURATED PROFESSIONAL RESOURCES

for the leader who wants to dig a little deeper

The Power of Empathy by Helen Riess, MD at TEDxMiddlebury

The War for Kindness: Building Empathy in a Fractured World by Jamil Zaki

“Empathy is patiently and sincerely seeing the world through the other person's eyes. It is not learned in school, it is cultivated over a lifetime.”

Albert Einstein

Growth Edge Leadership Newsletter

The Currency of Connection: Why Empathy Moves People

Empathy might be the most misunderstood leadership skill out there.

We praise it in theory but downplay it in practice. Why? Because empathy often gets mistaken for indulgence or emotional overload.

But in truth, it’s one of the most strategically powerful tools you can use to build trust, deepen commitment, and move people forward.

Here’s what we’re missing when we treat empathy like fluff: it’s not about being nice, it’s about being effective.

Let’s start with the disconnect:

According to the 2024 State of Workplace Empathy Report, 55% of CEOs believe they lead with empathy, but only 28% of employees agree.

That’s a massive perception gap. And closing it takes more than good intentions. It takes practice, presence, and clarity about why empathy actually works.

Why does empathy move people?

Backed by the 2025 study, "Empathy in Leadership: A Systematic Literature Review on the Effects of Empathetic Leaders in Organizations," here’s what the research shows:

→ We’re wired for empathy.

Empathy activates the brain’s social circuitry, building trust and openness. It helps regulate stress responses in high-stakes conversations, creating space for psychological safety and creative problem-solving.

→ It reduces resistance and increases buy-in.

When people feel seen, their defenses lower. They become more receptive to feedback, more likely to collaborate, and more motivated to deliver. Not out of fear, but connection.

→ Empathy increases performance.

The literature review found a strong link between empathetic leadership and outcomes like employee satisfaction, loyalty, innovation, and even profitability.

Empathy works because it creates the conditions where people feel:

→ Safe to speak up

→ Motivated to contribute

→ Committed to the bigger picture

So, how can leaders use empathy, without falling into emotional burnout or blurred boundaries?

→ Think of empathy as data.

Empathy isn’t about absorbing emotion, it’s about gathering information. Tuning into emotional cues gives you insight into team dynamics, unmet needs, and underlying tensions.

Try this: In your next 1:1, ask: “What’s feeling heavier than it should right now?” OR “Is there something we’re not talking about that would help move things forward?”

→ Listen to understand, not to fix.

You don’t need to jump to solve or soothe. Just holding space, without minimizing or rushing in, helps people feel seen and start processing on their own.

Try this: When someone shares something difficult, ask: “What do you need most right now: space, support, or solutions?” OR “Do you want to be heard or helped?”

→ Anchor empathy in structure.

When empathy is built into your systems, not just reserved for crisis, it becomes a leadership norm. This keeps care from being performative or inconsistent.

Try this: Add a check-in question to your weekly team meeting: “What’s one word to describe how you're showing up this week?” Block 10 mins in your 1:1s to ask about how the work is going, not just what’s getting done.

Want to Lead with Empathy?

We start on September 9th. I’d love to see you there!

Learn more or enroll today → www.lauriebaedke.com/new-leader-launch.

I'm rooting for you!

CURATED PROFESSIONAL RESOURCES

for the leader who wants to dig a little deeper

The Power of Empathy by Helen Riess, MD at TEDxMiddlebury

The War for Kindness: Building Empathy in a Fractured World by Jamil Zaki

“Empathy is patiently and sincerely seeing the world through the other person's eyes. It is not learned in school, it is cultivated over a lifetime.”

Albert Einstein

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