How Does Empathy Transform Leadership?

Ernest Lee Davis, a native of Los Angeles, California, spent most of his life there before earning an athletic scholarship to the University of Idaho, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Communications. He earned his MBA from Western Governors University and will finish his Doctorate in Philosophy of Leadership with an emphasis on Servant-Leadership from Gonzaga University this year. Ernest has worked as a finish manager/leader in the aerospace industry for over 15 years at Skills Inc., a nonprofit organization that partners with The Boeing Company. He has dedicated his career to creating meaningful opportunities for persons with disabilities and other marginalized groups, encouraging an inclusive and diverse workforce.

A devoted follower of Jesus Christ, Ernest joined the Church in 2005 and is committed to living the Savior’s teachings and sharing his personal story of resilience. He is the author of the best-selling book Leading in the Lord’s Way: A Journey of Servant Leadership, and I Am Aye Child of God. At church, he has served as a member of his stake high council and currently as stake Young Men first counselor. Ernest and his wife, Ruth, have three children and live in Puyallup, Washington.

Links

Leading in the Lord’s Way: A Journey of Servant Leadership
I am Aye Child of God
Transcript available with the video in the Zion Lab community

Summary

Ernest explores servant leadership principles and shares insights from his personal journey, emphasizing the importance of empathy, stewardship, and building a beloved community.

Key Insights

Servant Leadership: Ernest emphasizes the concept of leading through service, drawing on his experiences and the teachings of the gospel. He intertwines personal stories with leadership principles to illustrate how effective leadership is rooted in empathy and understanding.

Empathy: Understanding others’ perspectives is crucial for effective leadership. Ernest shares examples of how empathy can help leaders connect with individuals from diverse backgrounds and support them in overcoming their challenges.

Stewardship: Leaders are responsible for nurturing the talents and potential of those they serve. Ernest encourages leaders to recognize their stewardship over individuals in their communities and to cultivate their growth.

Beloved Community: The idea of Zion as a beloved community is central to Ernest’s message. He advocates for inclusivity and acceptance, stressing the importance of making everyone feel welcome and valued within the church.

Diversity in Leadership: Ernest highlights the need for diverse representation in leadership roles to better serve marginalized communities and to foster a more inclusive environment within the church.

Leadership Applications

Fostering Empathy: Latter-day Saint leaders can practice empathy by actively listening to the experiences of those they serve, which can help build trust and understanding within their communities.

Cultivating Talents: Leaders should focus on identifying and nurturing the unique talents of individuals in their wards, creating opportunities for them to contribute and grow.

Building Inclusive Communities: By promoting a sense of belonging and acceptance, leaders can create a welcoming environment that encourages participation from all members, regardless of their background or circumstances.

Highlights

00:03:17 – Inspiration for Writing the Book
Ernest shares what inspired him to write “Leading in the Lord’s Way.”

00:04:03 – Early Life and Challenges
Ernest discusses his upbringing, homelessness, and the journey to college football.

00:05:07 – Meeting the Missionaries
How Ernest first encountered the missionaries and his initial experience with the Book of Mormon.

00:06:32 – Knee Injury and Finding the Covenant Path
The impact of Ernest’s knee injury on his life and how it led him to baptism.

00:06:43 – Leadership Aspirations
Discussion on Ernest’s aspirations in football and leadership during his college years.

00:07:41 – Influential Coach
The role of Coach Washington in Ernest’s life and how he helped him and his brother.

00:10:11 – Journey to the University of Idaho
Ernest’s transition to college football and the support he received.

00:11:42 – Servant Leadership and Community Impact
Ernest’s focus on servant leadership and uplifting marginalized communities.

00:13:11 – Advice for Church Leaders
Suggestions on how church leaders can support marginalized groups.

00:15:49 – Importance of Representation
The significance of diversity in church leadership and outreach.

00:18:01 – Influential Figures in Ernest’s Life
Discussion of various mentors and role models who shaped Ernest’s journey.

00:20:26 – Ten Principles of Servant Leadership
Overview of the ten characteristics of servant leadership discussed in Ernest’s book.

00:23:59 – Stewardship
Exploration of stewardship and the responsibility of leaders to cultivate talents.

00:24:59 – Beloved Community
The concept of Zion as a beloved community and the importance of inclusivity.

00:25:50 – Empathy in Leadership
The role of empathy in understanding and supporting others.

The award-winning Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints’ mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Find Leadership Tools, Courses, and Community for Latter-day Saint leaders in the Zion Lab community. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org.

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