Inspired by Dave Anderson’s article at Scarlet Ink. The Leadership Myth Whether we say it aloud or not, the intuitive wisdom about leadership (which clearly grew out of the machoism of the mid-twentieth century) is that tough leaders get ahead, but empathetic ones get ignored. It’s such old thinking that it feels instinctive: forceful personalities
Tag Archives: Emotional Intelligence
23
Jun
Jun
Summary This article unpacks key findings from Why Empathetic Leadership Matters Now More Than Ever and explains how leaders can turn research into practical strategies for managing performance with empathy and accountability. Table of Contents Why Do People Care So Much About Empathy in Leadership? This article is about something you probably already know in
25
Apr
Apr
If you struggle to talk about your accomplishments without feeling uncomfortable, you’re in good company. For many professionals, self-promotion can feel like boasting, bragging, or stealing attention from others. But there’s a more generous way to think about it: valuable self-promotion lives at the intersection of empathy and accountability. It’s about making your contributions visible
15
Mar
Mar
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Self-aware leaders balance empathy and accountability by noticing their reactions, pausing for perspective, and responding with clarity. This post outlines how to lead with both compassion and firmness—especially when performance is on the line.
15
Mar
Mar
Summary: Talking to HR about something that matters can feel risky—especially if you’re worried about being dismissed, misunderstood, or seen as “too emotional.” This guide helps you prepare for those conversations with clarity, strategy, and courage—so you can speak up without losing your voice. HR exists to protect the company, not necessarily you. That doesn’t
19
Feb
Feb
Compassion is more than just a feeling—it’s an active force that shapes workplace culture, builds trust, and strengthens organizations. Inspired by Awakening Compassion at Work by Monica C. Worline and Jane E. Dutton, this checklist provides actionable steps for fostering a compassionate work environment. Use it to assess and enhance how you respond to suffering,
08
Feb
Feb
Effective leadership requires emotional strength, self-differentiation, and a calm, non-anxious presence. Friedman argues that leaders often fail because they succumb to the anxiety, emotional pressures, and reactive behaviors of those around them. The book advocates for leaders to stay grounded in their principles, resist the contagion of anxiety, and embrace the courage to confront challenges directly. By maintaining emotional resilience and clarity, leaders can inspire confidence, drive meaningful change, and avoid the pitfalls of over-functioning or reactive decision-making.
21
Jan
Jan
The most successful organizations have rejected the false choice between results and kindness. They know that a culture of empathetic accountability isn’t just a “nice to have” but their single greatest competitive advantage. But finding that balance is often the hardest part of leadership. We default to one or the other: we’re either the “nice”
16
Jan
Jan
In today’s world, we are all in sales. Whether you’re pitching a product, an idea, or yourself, mastering the art of persuasion is essential. Inspired by To Sell Is Human by Daniel Pink, this checklist breaks down key concepts to help you sell with authenticity, empathy, and effectiveness. Use it to refine your approach, build
18
Nov
Nov
David Rock, a thought leader in the field of neuroscience and leadership, introduced the SCARF model in his seminal book Your Brain at Work. This book explores how understanding the brain’s natural tendencies can help individuals and teams improve performance, collaboration, and decision-making. The SCARF model, one of the central concepts in the book, offers
