Struggle 1: Balancing Empathy and Authority

For C-level leaders, balancing empathy and authority is one of the hardest acts to master. Lean too far into authority, and you risk being seen as detached. Overdo empathy, and you may seem indecisive. So, how do you walk this line effectively?

It’s really is not about choosing between empathy and authority—it’s about harmonizing them.

At its core, the tension lies in the dual roles leaders must take up:

• The Strategic Commander: Charged with making tough decisions and driving results.

  
  

• The Human Connector: Responsible for inspiring trust, motivating teams, and creating a supportive environment.

While traditional leadership paradigms often position these roles as opposites, I like to encourage leaders to see them as complementary forces that can work together.

My 3 core beliefs:

 1)   Conflict isn’t just about what’s being said or done—it’s about the energy in the space. 

2)     Your presence—the way you show up—sets the tone for others. 

3)     Leaders who ask better questions create opportunities for insight and breakthrough. 

As of now, To balance empathy and authority, consider these three steps:

1. Shift from “Fixing” to “Partnering”: 

Instead of being the fixer of problems for your team, invite collaboration: “What’s standing in the way, and how can we address it together?” This shows authority in intentionality and empathy.

2. Adapt to the Energy: 

Before engaging in a conflict, take a moment to assess the energy: Are people defensive, anxious, or disengaged? Adjust your tone and approach to meet the energy constructively. Tip: Ask yourself: What is this moment asking of me? Strength? Openness? A mix of both? 

3. Ask Transformative Questions:

Empathy often thrives in curiosity, while authority manifests in the clarity of the questions you ask. Combine both by using questions that open space for reflection such as "What outcome are we collectively trying to create here?" or "What is the most courageous step we could take together right now?"

The Payoff: Leaders who balance both create environments where:

• Teams feel valued and understood.

  
  

• Decisions are respected because they’re made with integrity.

  
  

• Conflicts become opportunities for growth, not division.

This isn’t about being "soft" or overly accommodating. It’s about embodying the duality of leadership—being both firm in your vision and flexible in your approach.

Remember: it is not a formula; it is a practice.

Start by leading from who you are—not just what you do

Watch how it shapes the energy of your leadership in profound ways.