Who is the best leader? The following example will show you why balancing empathy and authority is necessary for good leadership.
The first kind of leader follows a cutthroat style. He turns the heat up, expects no mistakes, or else there will be consequences, does not take any excuses, no matter how valid, and is only focused on getting things done for the company. To him, employees are and should be replaceable.
The second kind of leader is considerate and nice. He accepts all mistakes, takes excuses despite validity, and is focused on making sure that employees are happy. He never puts an employee in uncomfortable situations and agrees to pull out employees when it’s too much for them. To this leader, employees deserve to be heard and are irreplaceable.
Both have issues. One is too focused on being authoritative, and that creates an environment of pressure and toxicity. He is more likely to lose employees quickly and, after a while, have no one willing to work with him. The other guy may keep his employees, but only for a while. He offers no challenges, is more likely to lose the respect of his employees, and will have no order in the office. He’s too empathetic, and it’s working against him. Eventually, employees will want to move on to something more worthy of their time.
Do you see it? None of these leaders have found that sweet spot between authority and empathy. Neither is really wrong, but they are not right either. One strategy is not the most effective way to lead— it never was, is not, and never will be.
So, how do you master the art of balancing empathy and authority?
Sometimes, male leaders can be seen as too tough, while servant leaders can be seen as too soft. Either extreme is not good. It’s all about striking a balance between showing empathy and exercising authority. This balance is important because it helps you build trust, respect, and a good work environment.
Take Satya Nadella, the CEO of Microsoft, for example. When he took over, Microsoft was known for being quite cutthroat. Nadella brought in a sense of empathy and understanding. He emphasized a growth mindset, encouraging employees to learn from their mistakes rather than fear them.
The approach didn’t make him any less authoritative; instead, it made people respect him more because they felt understood and valued. It led to a more innovative and collaborative culture at Microsoft, driving the company to new heights.
Balancing empathy with authority doesn’t mean being overly lenient or harsh. It means being approachable and understanding yet firm when making decisions and setting boundaries. Leaders who master this balance can inspire their teams, foster loyalty, and drive performance.
Think about it like this: if a leader is only authoritative, they might appear intimidating or unapproachable, suppressing creativity and communication. On the other hand, if they are only empathetic without maintaining authority, they might struggle to maintain order and respect.
It’s the combination of the two that makes you a well-rounded leader who can guide your team effectively while also supporting their personal and professional growth. So, in essence, balancing empathy with authority is important because it connects with the team on a human level while still steering the ship with a clear and steady hand.
It’s like being a parent who’s both loving and firm – you want to be the kind of leader people look up to and trust, knowing you’ve got their back but also that you’ll hold them to high standards.
Being a good leader starts with listening. Think about the times you’ve had a boss who just didn’t seem to hear you. Frustrating, right? Effective leaders make it a point to listen more than they speak. It means paying attention to what your team is saying—understanding their concerns, suggestions, and feedback. When you listen with empathy, it shows your team that you value their input.
But listening isn’t enough on its own. You also need to clearly communicate your expectations and explain the reasons behind your decisions. When your team knows why you’re asking for something, they’re more likely to get on board.
Part of balancing empathy and authority is encouraging everyone to share their thoughts openly and respond with respect. It builds trust and positively reinforces your authority. Remember, good communication isn’t just about talking—it’s about creating a dialogue where everyone feels heard and respected.
Setting boundaries is crucial, but how you do it makes all the difference. Think about setting rules at home or in any group you’re part of. It’s important to explain why these rules are in place. When people understand the reason behind a boundary, they’re more likely to respect it.
As a leader, set clear boundaries with compassion. Explain how these rules help the team succeed and let everyone know you’re there for guidance and feedback. However, it’s also essential for team members to be accountable for their work.
By showing that you’ve considered the human element in setting these boundaries, you reinforce your authority as someone thoughtful and fair. When people understand and agree with the purpose of rules, they’re more willing to follow them.
Offering support to your team is another key to effective leadership. Think about a time when you felt genuinely supported—maybe a coach who provided the right resources or a teacher who took extra time to help you understand something.
As a leader, you should aim to provide the resources and assistance your team needs to succeed. Investing in their professional growth shows you care about their success and well-being, which, in turn, solidifies your position as a leader committed to their long-term success.
At the same time, holding your team accountable is just as important. Set clear expectations from the beginning, starting with job descriptions and continuing with the assignments you give. Regular check-ins and feedback sessions help ensure everyone is meeting their goals and feeling supported.
Providing regular, empathetic feedback during performance reviews, team meetings, and “check-in” conversations helps in balancing empathy and authority in this case. This way, your team knows you’re invested in their success but also serious about their responsibilities.
Everyone likes to be recognized for their hard work. Imagine the feeling you get when someone appreciates your efforts. As a leader, acknowledging your team’s achievements is important. This recognition encourages a sense of appreciation and motivates your team to keep performing at their best.
Use your authority to create reward systems that are fair and meaningful, showing your team that you truly value their contributions. Get to know your team members and understand what kinds of rewards they appreciate most.
For some, a simple thank-you note can make their day; for others, a small bonus or public acknowledgment might be more meaningful.
Tailoring your recognition and rewards to what your team members like shows that you care about them as individuals, not just as employees. This balance of empathy and authority helps build a positive and productive work environment.
Finally, adaptability is a vital trait for any leader. Different situations and team members may require different balances of empathy and authority. Being flexible in your approach allows you to respond effectively to various needs and challenges.
Recognize that it’s okay to be flawed and that showing empathy includes being open to improvement and change. By being willing to adapt, you show that you’re not stuck in one way of thinking. This flexibility can make you more approachable and trustworthy in the eyes of your team.
They’ll see that you’re committed to finding the best solutions, even if it means adjusting your leadership style. This willingness to change and grow not only helps you become a better leader but also sets a powerful example for your team.
In conclusion, balancing empathy and authority is necessary for effective leadership. Picture a coach who knows when to push his team hard and when to offer a shoulder to lean on. This balance keeps the team motivated and driven.
Similarly, as a leader, you must listen actively, set clear boundaries, offer support, recognize achievements, and stay adaptable. Striking this balance ensures a pleasant and productive work environment where your team can thrive.
Remember, leadership isn’t about being perfect—it’s about being present, understanding, and responsive to the needs of your team.
Waithira Njagi is a seasoned wellness and relationship content writer with nearly a decade of experience. Her passion for helping others navigate the complexities of personal growth and connection shines through in her engaging and insightful writing.
With a knack for distilling complex topics into easily digestible pieces, Waithira's work is geared toward readers seeking guidance and inspiration on their journey to holistic well-being.
When she's not crafting engaging articles, you can find Waithira curled up with a stack of romance novels– always rooting for love to win– or enjoying quality time with her beloved family. Her dedication to spreading love and positivity is evident in everything she creates.
Waithira is here to remind you that life, much like their stories, is a tapestry of connections - to loved ones, and the endless adventures found in books.