The Empathic Leader Advantage

Empathy gives leaders a one-up. It is the highest level of emotional intelligence, with EQ being one of the most valuable soft skills needed in modern business.

Modern leaders should have a high emotional intelligence quotient (EQ). In laymen’s terms, they should have great awareness and a healthy dose of empathy. The modern leader needs to take time to know and understand their team members and the pulse of the culture, beyond what vision and mission statement claim. The ability to adapt leadership behaviors and strategies based on each individual promotes employee engagement. EQ empowers any leader to leverage their knowledge of said employees before making any type of decisions. Why?

Let’s look at the following scenarios:

SCENARIO 1: You recently noticed one of your colleagues has been falling asleep in the break room. They are not completing tasks as a result. It’s costing you concern and frustration and the company a lot of money. They’ve also been late clocking in during the past ten days. Other colleagues have been covering their co-worker’s responsibilities, but they are complaining. As their boss, what do you do?

A.       Ignore them because it’s a tough conversation to have?

B.        Fire them because it’s negatively impacting productivity and putting you in a bad position?

C.       Have that tough conversation with them to let them know they need to shape up or else… ?

SCENARIO 2: The exact same situation happens as in Scenario 1, however, you find out that she/he/they have been taking care of an ill and elderly parent for the past few months. Will the way you handle this situation be different now that you know more about their private situation?

Be very honest with your answer.

I would, however, imagine that any reasonable level of empathy on your part might inspire you to be more lenient and forgiving of the loss in productivity and focus from that person. Going one step further, I believe a great leader would ask if and how they can help. The options are endless, ranging from adapting their schedule, to working remotely, to offering time off, even paid leave.

I recently heard of a situation where a friend’s boss, who is the business owner, gave an employee a month of paid leave to handle the illness of a loved one. It touched me, making me think that I’d love to have had a leader like that. I’m pretty sure, that employee will be infinitely grateful and probably very loyal because of their boss’ empathetic approach to leadership.

It’s more about the human element than merely numbers.

Vital Germaine

PRESIDENT, ENGAGE Teams 360

Should a leader be feared or loved?

Niccolò Machiavelli once said, "It is better to be feared than to be loved." He claimed that fear was a better motivator than love. Therefore, fear is a more effective tool than love, concerning leadership.

I think this question has no definitive answer other than, the authenticity of that leader. Some leaders install a level of fear. Those are easier to follow IF, they are just. However, when fear is layered with inconsistency, favoritism, intimidation or bullying, then that fear will breed contempt and resentment. Overtime that leader will minimize their results.

Perhaps the only time when fear is appropriate or necessary, is fearing the fair consequences of one’s appropriate behavior in accordance to culture and expectations, or not delivering on responsibilities or expectations etc.

The leader that is loved, may be more easily “betrayed” as love is fleeting (according to Machiavelli). IF that loved leader can make tough, even heartless decisions, at the right time and for the right reasons, then team dynamics is optimized. The will not only be feared but respected. There are many styles to consider to help you optimize your style. Another element of a great leader is the ability to adapt dependent of circumstance: when, who and why.

Ultimately, leadership needs to leverage emotional intelligence and act in a way that instills trust, confidence and that inspires. Be authentic. Focus on empowerment rather than power. Be a RESPECTED leader.

One of the main driving forces behind effective leadership is communication. Learn more about communication.

Vital Germaine

President, ENGAGE Teams 360

Who Really Drives the Results of DEI Initiatives?

The are two  basic drivers of true and impactful Diversity Equity and Inclusion strategies.

They say that the journey to social parity, in particular, in the work place, begins at the top with leadership (or when you’re summoned to HR). It actually doesn’t start there. It begins with the self… YOU.

Leadership either stifles the concept of DEI, or it fuels the internal cultural judgment and undermining of colleagues.

Here are the two behavioral pillars to inspire a shift in thinking and doing. They create positive ripple effects that elevate others (and yourself because you will then become a high-value person).

1. Empathy:

   Leaning into your conscience to connect with your innate knowing of what is right and wrong. When people care and are curious to know and understand the journey of another, there is only one outcome… respect. And if you respect somebody, it becomes very hard to undermine or belittle them. Having respect, levels the playing field because it means you see and honor the other person’s existence. They call this Sawubona in Zulu. If you want to learn about Sawubona, I talk about it my newest book, PINK IS THE COLOR OF EMPATHY.

2. Awareness:

   Knowing that “love” can’t be legislated makes you the sole entity responsible for your choices and actions. In other words, your conscience shouldn’t need laws, rules, regulations or policy to drive your behavior. We are all responsible for our choices and actions. It’s the accountability and lack of emotional intelligence that is the hurdle.

HR or the executive team can only provide guidance as to appropriate social behavior in your organization or company. Those guidelines fortunately have consequences when negated. They promote accountability but are not the “pill” unto themselves.

Are you truly honoring and implementing the ultimate intentions of DEI initiatives? Only you know that answer. Adjust accordingly as there is always room for growth and improvement.

The element of effective COMMUNICATION is what brings it together. LEARN MORE

Vital Germaine

President of ENGAGE Teams 360

The Basics of Great Leadership

Vital Germaine Keynote - Standing Ovation for Office Dynamics Conference

Regardless of your position or title, we are all leaders. We all influence and impact our company’s culture simply in the way we behave and show up. Great leaders learn from others and are inspired by other leaders, however, don’t rely on others to drive your behavior and decisions. Be a leader by example at all times, regardless of pay or position.

Here ar e a few basic tools to help you become a great leader.

1. Emotional Intelligence:

   Be aware of your behavior and choices and how they create ripple affects among your team and culture. Through awareness it becomes easier to adapt and fine-tune our behavior, leading to growth and improvement. Be particularly aware of how you make others feel. Video

2. Caring:

   Any leader that clearly communicates that they care for the well-being of their colleagues and/or team becomes a high-value person (read my book, Pink Is The Color of Empathy)

3. Listening:

   Listening with an open, caring and understanding ear or heart is one of the most empowering things a leader can do as a leader.

   “To be an effective leader, you have to be a really good listener and not to what's being said, but to what's not being said. You have to be really observant.” - Kobi Bryant

4. Adaptability

   The ability to pivot and change course when needed is key to human survival, let alone leadership. How flexible are you? Do you have an innovation mindset that can navigate challenges with poise and confidence. Read the book, Innovation Mindset.

5. Inspiration

   “If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more, and become more, you are a leader.” - John Quincy Adams (6th President of the United States)

6. Collaboration:

   Short video

7. Communication:

   To begin your journey into becoming a great leader, know that communication skills are crucial. Let’s begin with the acronym H.A.I.L from Julien Treasure (Ted Talk). Implement these four pillars of effective and confident communication and so much will improve.

   - Honesty

   - Authenticity

   - Integrity

   - Love (respect/caring)

1. Bring it all together

Vital Germaine is Las Vegas’ most dynamic and memorable keynote speaker. Watch his sizzle reel:

“The difference between ordinary and extraordinary, is that little extra.”

— Jimmy Johnson

Vital Germaine, President of ENGAGE Teams 360

How to improve your communication skills.

COMMUNICATION comes in many forms. As leaders, we must develop an acute sensibility to the non-apparent messages that humans send. We must listen, not only with our ears, but our eyes, our hearts, hair follicles, our noses and our intuition.

We must develop the ability to speak and be heard without words. Be understood without gestures. We must pay attention to the nuances of expression on all levels.

Albert Merhabian illustrated this best when he stated that only 7% of our communication is actually through words. The remaining 93% is non-verbal!

All the clues, skills and solutions of relevant and clear communication lie within our awareness and sensitivity to ourselves and the external world (Emotional Intelligence) - it opens doors to connectivity and increased levels of company growth and success. Poor communication can lead to disasters and easily avoidable errors and conflicts.

The more aware we are, the better and more effectively we can send and receive messages.

To further improve your communication skills, always place yourself in the shoes of the receiver, as their perspective might not align with yours. And finally, if not most importantly, it is the responsibility of the communicator to make sure clear and correct communication has been established. The best way to achieve this is by asking the receiver to clearly communicate back what they have understood, bringing everybody on the same page. 

Become a more confident communicator

If this blog was of value, please feel welcome to borrow and/or share. 

THANK YOU, Vital Germaine