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Executive Brief: Reconciling the Empathy Construct

Lillian Paley

Bellevue University

MOL646-6050 Advanced Leadership Dynamics

Doctor Eric Riley

November 30, 2023

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Executive Brief: Reconciling the Empathy Construct

Introduction

The concept of empathy is becoming more widely acknowledged as being essential to

successful leadership. The function of empathy in leadership is explored from a provocative

angle by Edwin Friedman in her piece "The word empathy" from A Failure of Nerve. However,

Sanchez presents an alternative perspective on the use and significance of empathy in

leadership in "The Secret to Leading Organizational Change Is Empathy." From the viewpoints

of Friedman and Sanchez, this essay will look at the different applications and interpretations of

empathy as a leadership construct. It will also investigate how discursive approaches to

leadership can aid in bringing the diverse applications and interpretations of the empathy

construct into harmony.

Understanding the Meaning of Empathy in Leadership

In a more In-depth analysis of the intricacies of empathy in leadership, Friedman makes

the case that compassionate leaders frequently find themselves overcome by the agitated and

emotional states of the individuals they are guiding. Friedman claims that empathy is frequently

employed to avoid dealing with more serious structural problems and to support a shifting

responsibility mentality (Friedman, 1999). He says that to effectively lead, people need to get

away from the emotional "swampland"(Friedman, 1999) that surrounds their organizations and

instead concentrate on staying true to who they are.

On the other hand, Sanchez's paper highlights how crucial empathy is as a leadership

tool in organizations. She contends that developing empathy within a company is crucial to

building community, trust, and teamwork (Sanchez, 2018). According to Sanchez,

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compassionate leaders are better able to recognize and respond to the needs and worries of

their team members, which eventually builds an organization that is more adaptable and

resilient.

Through the promotion of productive discussion regarding the function of empathy in

leadership, discursive approaches to leadership can aid in the reconciliation of the concept's

meaning and application. Through dialogue, leaders can learn more about the subtleties and

intricacies of empathy and how to apply it to various leadership situations. Discursive methods

can also assist leaders in creating a common understanding of empathy and how to use it

across the company, which will ultimately result in more inclusive and successful leadership.

Friedman's Main Points About the Use of Empathy in Leadership and Sanchez's Definition and

Application

The premise that compassionate leaders frequently become entangled in the emotional

and nervous states of those they lead is at the center of Friedman's primary arguments

regarding the application of empathy in leadership. According to the article by Friedman, this

may result in a lack of focus and a dispersion of accountability inside the company (Friedman,

1999). According to Friedman, to effectively manage and guide their team, leaders need to

keep a healthy distance from their emotional states. He feels that genuine leadership

necessitates a degree of calmness that enables leaders to be steady and collected amid intense

emotional upheaval (Friedman, 1999).

However, Sanchez defines and applies empathy in leadership in a way that emphasizes

the idea that leaders with empathy are better able to comprehend and attend to the wants and

concerns of their team members (Sanchez, 2018). To build community, trust, and cooperation
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inside an organization, she highlights the significance of empathy. According to Sanchez,

compassionate leaders may foster an atmosphere where workers feel heard, respected, and

encouraged, which eventually results in a more adaptable and resilient company.

Although Friedman and Sanchez have different opinions about how empathy should be

used in leadership, there are some areas in which they agree. Both stresses how crucial it is for

a leader to stay true to themselves and keep their distance from their team members'

emotions. Additionally, they are both aware of how empathy may promote trust and

cooperation inside a company. Friedman, on the other hand, believes that empathy can be

harmful to a leader, whereas Sanchez regards empathy as a vital tool for guiding organizational

change.

Recommendations on the Role of Empathy in Leadership Development

Considering these viewpoints, it is evident that empathy in leadership is a complicated

and diverse concept. Because of this, leaders must approach empathy with a sophisticated

understanding and awareness of both its potential advantages and difficulties. Therefore, via

honest and productive communication, leaders should work to create a common understanding

of empathy within their businesses. This could lead to a more successful and inclusive method

of applying empathy as a leadership trait.

In addition, it is imperative for leaders to endeavor to achieve equilibrium between

preserving their individuality and demonstrating empathy for the wants and worries of their

subordinates. To do this, leaders must acquire an emotional intelligence level that enables

them to interact with their team members in an empathic manner while also giving them

precise instructions and direction. By striking this balance, executives can foster a climate of
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trust and cooperation inside their companies, which will eventually result in teams that are

more adaptable and resilient.

Conclusion

To sum up, empathy is a crucial concept in leadership that needs to be carefully thought

out and comprehended. Although Friedman and Sanchez have different opinions about how

empathy should be used and applied in leadership, they both stress how crucial empathy is to

building resilience, teamwork and trust in businesses. Through a nuanced knowledge of

empathy and transparent communication, leaders may create a more inclusive and successful

strategy for using empathy in leadership. As a result, businesses may develop a culture of trust,

cooperation, and adaptability that eventually produces more resilient and successful

leadership.
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References:

Friedman, E. H. (1999). The word empathy. A failure of nerve: Leadership in the age of the quick

fix.

Sanchez, P. (2018). The secret to leading organizational change is empathy. Forbes.