Do I lead with empathy, even when under pressure?
A reminder that leadership requires empathy, especially in stressful times.
“Leadership is not about being in charge. It’s about taking care of those in your charge.” – Simon Sinek
Context and Insight
It’s easy to show empathy when things are going well, but pressure often reveals our true character. Under stress, many leaders default to control and command. Reflecting on this question helps you recognize if you maintain empathy even when timelines, budgets, or expectations are tight.
Why This Matters for Servant Leadership
Servant leadership thrives on trust and compassion. If empathy disappears under pressure, trust erodes and team morale suffers. Consistency in empathy communicates stability and care, which strengthens loyalty and long-term performance.
Personal Application
- Journal about a recent high-pressure situation and how you treated your team.
- Ask a trusted colleague for feedback on how empathetic you seem during tough times.
- Develop a “stress response” checklist that includes an empathy check before taking action.
Invitation
Commit to responding with patience and understanding in your next high-stress moment.
Related Topics
- Pressure
- Emotional Intelligence
- Resilience in Leadership
For more questions like this, explore The Reflective Leader series.