Empathy in Leadership: Navigating Masculinity and Inclusivity

This chapter explores the role of empathy in workplace leadership, particularly focusing on male leaders and the challenges posed by toxic masculinity. It emphasizes the need for emotional connection in leadership and sheds light on the experiences of underrepresented groups who cultivate empathy to thrive in their careers.

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If you've been with me a minute, you know that leadership paradigms are changing. Yet it's causing an unspoken crisis for male leaders in particular. Being empathetic and showing vulnerability are not consistent with how men have been socialized or how many women leaders were advised to lead. But that ain't gonna fly anymore in today's market or with today's talent! Leaders disrupting this status quo need to be strong against the push back and show the great results.

Today Carol Vallone Mitchell answers the popular question of whether women leaders are "better at" empathy than men and what role gender plays in successful collaborative leadership. We discuss how empathy is a critical trait of collaborative leaders, and she shares how leadership effectiveness has traditionally been framed in stereotypical masculine terms - and why those are no longer effective for success today.

To access the episode transcript, please click on the episode title at www.TheEmpathyEdge.com

Key Takeaways:

Empathy is a foundation for collaborative leadership.
Acquiescence, submission, and people pleasing are not empathy. If you are being burnt out by “empathy” then you’re probably not actually practicing empathy.
Gender is irrelevant in being an effective leader, employee, or human being. It is how you choose to lead that really matters.

"Society teaches young men that to grow up and be successful, tney don't dare express their emotions- a lot of it is self control. And I think that's how empathy is perhaps a bit of a threat for men, because that message is still very much out there." — Carol Vallone Mitchell, Ph.D

Episode References:

Amer Kaissi, The Empathy Edge podcast: Humbitious Leadership Equals Success
Denise Roberson, The Empathy Edge podcast: Mistakes Leaders and Boards Make When Thinking About Purpose

About Carol Vallone Mitchell, Founding Principal, Talent Strategy Partners, Author Collaboration Code and Breaking Through "Bitch"

Carol Vallone Mitchell, PH.D. has an instinct and a passion for understanding what makes people tick. This has led her to focus her career on identifying and developing leaders who will build and nurture the right workplace culture and drive results. She cofounded Talent Strategy Partners in 2001 and has brought her expertise to numerous companies, including many in the Fortune 500. Carol is the author of two books based on her research. “Collaboration Code: How Men Lead Culture Change and Nurture Tomorrow’s Leaders” and “Breaking Through ‘Bitch’- How Women Can Shatter Stereotypes and Lead Fearlessly.” She has written numerous articles featured in publications including Fast Company, Chief Learning Officer, SHRM Executive, Workspan, Thrive Global, and Forbes; and, has been featured on various radio programs and podcasts.

She received her doctorate in Organizational Behavior from the University of Pennsylvania

Warm weather and swimming enthusiasts, Carol and her family are "honorary residents" of Hawaii, spending much of their time-off over the last 25 years in Kona. She is an avid tennis fan and plays acoustic guitar.

Connect with Carol Vallone Mitchell, Ph.D:

Talent Strategy Partners LLC: tsphr.com

Author Site: carolvallonemitchell.com

Collaboration Code rb.gy/tjjxel

Breaking Through "Bitch" amzn.to/2zmooDA

X: twitter.com/cv_mitchell

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/carolvallonemitchell

Facebook: facebook.com/collaborationcode

Join the tribe, download your free guide! Discover what empathy can do for you: red-slice.com/business-benefits-empathy

Connect with Maria:

Get the podcast and book: TheEmpathyEdge.com

Learn more about Maria and her work: Red-Slice.com