1. Owning One’s Limitations Fosters Trust And Collaboration
A leader who is open and honest with their team—asking for feedback, taking ownership of mistakes and engaging in collaborative problem-solving—demonstrates that it is okay to be imperfect. By exhibiting vulnerability, they emulate self-empathy and model that owning one’s limitations is healthy and human. This fosters trust and collaboration and promotes strong teamwork.
2. Modeling Vulnerability Creates An Inclusive, Caring Culture
While no human is perfect, leaders sometimes think they must be perceived as flawless or as having all the answers. A leader who is able to meet their own shortcomings with self-compassion sets the tone for others to do the same. This looks like admitting and accepting our mistakes and taking time for self-care when stressed. When leaders model vulnerability, it creates a more inclusive and caring culture
3. Staying Aligned With Your Core Values Prevents Burnout
As a client’s dear uncle faces cancer, she is leading through self-empathy. The client recently spent two weeks with her aunt and uncle and was able to work for much of that time. She prioritizes self-empathy because she knows her core values. Other leadership decisions are based on those values too, so living in alignment with them builds trust, fosters relationships and prevents burnout
4. Helping Yourself First Allows You To Better Help Others
A leader using self-empathy is like someone putting on their own oxygen mask first in an airplane emergency. By addressing their own needs and emotional well-being first, they gain the resilience and clarity they need to lead themselves and their team effectively. This approach fosters a positive environment, boosts personal growth and improves decision-making, leading to sustainable leadership and a productive team
5. Confronting Imposter Syndrome Inspires Other Sufferers
It’s common for leaders to struggle with imposter syndrome, particularly as they step into new, more demanding roles. This struggle can feel daunting and paralyzing. Yet, by confronting these fears, openly discussing them and learning to push through these obstacles, leaders not only experience personal growth, but also demonstrate behaviors that encourage others to do the same
6. Practicing Self-Kindness And Self-Forgiveness Models Resilience
Self-kindness is treating oneself with kindness and understanding, especially in the face of one’s own mistakes and failures. Self-kindness involves forgiving oneself for errors, acknowledging personal limitations and recognizing that perfection is unattainable. By practicing self-kindness, leaders model resilience and a healthy approach to challenges
7. Staying Home When You’re Sick Sets A Self-Care Example
Not coming into the office when you are sick serves as a great example to others that taking care of yourself in the short term is a necessity, or it will become a long-term problem. Everyone has days when they are worn out, contagious or just not in a state to be making good decisions. Honor those days yourself, and others will as well
8. Taking A Mental Health Day Empowers Team Members
A leader taking a mental health day models self-care and vulnerability, fostering a supportive environment. This promotes personal and professional growth by prioritizing well-being and encouraging a culture where team members feel valued and empowered to do the same
9. Reflecting On Challenges Cultivates An Empathetic Culture
By reflecting on their challenges with self-empathy, leaders exemplify resilience, fostering personal and professional growth. This approach, rooted in the principles of authentic self and emotional agility, cultivates an empathetic culture, enhancing trust and innovation and demonstrating that understanding and managing one’s emotions can lead to impactful leadership and organizational success
10. Admitting To Mistakes In Meetings Creates A Safe Space
A leader can lead through self-empathy by acknowledging their own mistakes and sharing learning experiences in team meetings. For instance, a leader might share a personal story of a failed project, detailing their thought process, the missteps made and the lessons learned. This humanizes the leader, creates a safe space and fosters a culture of trust, continuous learning and open communication.
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