Balance empathy and assertiveness in your leadership approach from "summary" of The Leader Habit by Martin Lanik
Leadership is a delicate balance between empathy and assertiveness. Empathy allows you to understand and connect with your team on a personal level, while assertiveness helps you set clear expectations and drive results. Finding the right mix of these two qualities is crucial for effective leadership. When you lean too heavily on empathy, you risk being seen as too soft or indecisive. Your team may take advantage of your kindness, and important tasks may fall through the cracks. On the other hand, if you are overly assertive, you risk alienating your team and damaging morale. People may feel intimidated or unappreciated, leading to low engagement and high turnover. To strike the right balance, start by listening to your team members and showing genuine interest in their thoughts and feelings. This demonstrates empathy and builds trust within the team. However, it's important to follow up with clear and direct communication about expectations and goals. Be firm but fair in your approach, holding people accountable while also providing support and encouragement. Remember that empathy and assertiveness are not mutually exclusive – in fact, they work best when combined. By showing empathy, you create a positive and supportive work environment where team members feel valued and understood. And by being assertive, you drive performance and ensure that goals are met.- Effective leadership requires a blend of empathy and assertiveness. By finding the right balance between these two qualities, you can inspire and motivate your team to achieve their best work.
