The Power of Empathy
Steve Maloney

One of the most meaningful parts of sharing my story was the opportunity it gave me to reflect on my life and career. I highly recommend taking the time to do a similar exercise. Reflection creates an opportunity to pause, learn, and identify areas for growth and development.

A theme that continually came to mind during my reflection was empathy.

Empathy is the ability to understand and respond to others’ perspectives and feelings. It involves putting yourself in someone else’s shoes and experiencing what they may be feeling. I found myself practicing empathy more intentionally after going through personal challenges and difficulties of my own. As I spent less time focusing on myself, I developed a stronger desire to help others facing similar situations.

An important lesson for me has been learning to make empathy a habit and transform it into compassion. Through my study of the topic, I discovered that empathy is often about feeling, while compassion is about action. Empathy often serves as the catalyst for compassionate action. Its real power emerges when empathy and compassion work together to support and serve others.

This combination can make us significantly better leaders. John Maxwell often emphasizes the importance of connecting with and influencing team members. What better way to build those connections than by practicing empathy and compassion?

Practicing empathy and compassion also tends to build resilience and promote positive emotions. I experienced this personally while navigating loss and sorrow with loved ones. By focusing more on helping others, I found myself developing greater resilience and maintaining a more positive outlook despite difficult circumstances.

Here are some practical ways to practice empathy and compassion in leadership:

• Listen to Understand – Give your full attention and ask thoughtful follow-up questions such as, “What do you need from me?”
• Hold Regular One-on-One Conversations – At my last company, we called these jour fixe, a French term meaning “fixed day.” These meetings were dedicated to the employee’s agenda, not the leaders.
• Recognize Effort, Not Just Outcomes – Acknowledge improvement, initiative, and collaboration. Ken Blanchard famously said, “Catch people doing things right.”
• Show Compassion During Change – Communicate early, explain the “why,” and create space for emotions and concerns.
• Learn About Employees as People – Remember important milestones and understand their goals, motivations, and aspirations.
• Build Empathy into Team Practices – Start meetings with quick check-ins, encourage employee input, and recognize peers for their contributions. At MACNY staff meetings, we call these “shout-outs.”

Daily Reflection Questions

• Who needed more support from me today?
• Did I truly listen before responding?
• Did my actions increase trust or tension?
• Who should I follow up with tomorrow?

Be intentional about practicing empathy with your team and those you influence. Look for opportunities to demonstrate compassion through your actions. The more we do this consistently, the more trust and respect we build as leaders – and the greater impact we can have in the lives of others.

Finally, take time to learn the stories of the people around you. Understanding their experiences often leads to deeper empathy, stronger relationships, and more compassionate leadership.