Leadership is not just about intentions; it’s about tangible empathy and understanding. I’ve witnessed senior professionals with sizable teams fall short in showing kindness and empathy because they believed good intentions were sufficient. However, assuming that everyone interprets “tough love” the same way, especially during challenging times, can lead to disconnect.
It’s crucial to reach out, especially in tough situations like supporting an employee with a terminal illness, comforting a grieving family, or acknowledging colleagues in high-stress environments. Introversion or shyness should never hinder a leader from expressing empathy. True leadership demands stepping out of your comfort zone to serve those in need.

If your focus is solely on profit and neglecting the human connections within your organization, you’re missing the mark. Building relationships should be a top priority for any business centered around people. Empathy fosters an environment where individuals can thrive, leading to sustainable, collective success.