Episode 149: Building Empathy and Drive at the Same Time

The 90th Percentile: An Unconventional Leadership Podcast

Details

In a time where AI disrupts traditional workplace dynamics and remote work reshapes human connections, business leaders face a crucial question:

How do we maintain our humanity while driving results?

The answer might surprise those who still cling to the “tough boss” stereotype. In our episode today we’re discussing how most effective leaders aren’t choosing between being empathetic or being driven—they’re mastering both.

Key Learnings

1. Leaders Must Master Both Empathy and Drive
   Balancing empathy and drive is critical for leadership effectiveness. Only 15% of leaders are skilled at both, yet these leaders are in the 91st percentile for overall performance. Effective leadership requires both motivating teams to achieve results and connecting with people on a human level.
2. Eliminating Executive Double Standards Builds Trust
   Leaders who abide by the same rules as their teams build trust. For example, executives like Netflix’s CEO who take the same parental leave as employees show that fairness and empathy aren’t just gestures but core values.
3. Make Talent Development a Daily Habit
   High-impact leaders integrate employee development into their daily activities. This means seizing everyday coaching opportunities and prioritizing career growth in regular interactions. It’s not about scheduling occasional training but embedding growth into the culture.
4. Inspire Through a Compelling Vision
   Inspirational leaders paint a vision that excites and motivates people. Instead of commanding outcomes, they use “possibility thinking,” framing goals in a way that makes people eager to contribute and feel part of something greater.
5. Embrace Vulnerability Through Feedback
   True empathy in leadership includes seeking and acting on feedback. Leaders can foster trust by openly asking for input and demonstrating growth based on what they learn. For instance, one executive publicly shared feedback they received each month and the steps they took to improve, inspiring others to follow suit.

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Research

Empathy and Drive: A Powerful Combination– Article by Joe Folkman

The post Episode 149: Building Empathy and Drive at the Same Time first appeared on ZENGER FOLKMAN.