Empathy.
Having the ability to understand and share the feelings of another puts you in unique position.
That unique position is that of a real leader.
A leader must be more empathetic than sympathetic. A real leader will show sympathy when it is appropriate to do so.
Tread lightly when showing sympathy. However, you can never go wrong with showing and sharing empathy.
Empathy is the one thing that will help move the mountains of those that feel they cannot.
No matter what we do or what we say, there will always be individuals that will think less of us. Some of them will be complete strangers and unfortunately, some of those that think less of us are those that are the closest to us.
Whatever the reason or whomever it is should NOT be reason to not show empathy.
Sure, some will say a leader should NEVER show signs of being “soft” and a leader should always be hard and cold.
Why is that?
A leader is a leader of humans, not machines. Remember, a leader can NEVER lead machines. Machines are managed. People are led.
It takes courage to be a leader and it is the same courage that it takes to show others empathy.
It is also the same courage you will use to ignore those with negative comments and the naysayers, both near and far.
You wanted to be a leader, you have the courage to be a leader, and then be courageous enough show empathy to those that need it, even your naysayers.
When I speak of your naysayers, your doubters, those that question your reason to show empathy, I speak of them without malice or anger.
Maybe a little frustration. Frustration in that those individuals only know and understand one thing and that is negativity. Folks, it is the 21st Century and there is absolutely no time for negativity or constantly dealing with negative individuals.
It is perfectly OK to walk away from negativity. Why would you want to stay around negative individuals? People in bad relationships are encouraged to end that relationship. So walk away.
There should be no anger. There should be calm. There should be no negativity. There should be empathy.
When there is empathy, there is understanding.
When there is understanding, there is good.
Good is the best.
Knowing when to be able to deliver empathy is one of those skills that as humans we can take a lifetime to master. However, some quit because it is easier to quit than to show that they care.
While there are many that refuse to accept the nonsense that others give them because they care and show empathy.
The naysayers do not know the damage they can do with their nonsense. However, as a leader you know all the good you can with your skills, knowledge and wisdom. As a leader, you have to do what it takes to be there for those that need your empathy.
As a leader, you have NO time, space, and energy to give any attention to those naysayers. You have work to do. The right work for the right people, all the people, all the time.
You know this.
While those that are negative to you, especially when you empathize with others, may be the very ones that you would not expect to put you down, you cannot let them.
Your place is where you are. You and your morals, character, and ethics direct you actions.
When it comes down to it, just because you can empathize does not make you weak. Those that criticize your ability to empathize need your empathy the most.
Those are the ones that are hurting the most and whether they want to admit it or not they know they need you. Be there for them.
