The 10% Differentiator

Navigating the balance between kindness and effectiveness is a common challenge for leaders. Many empathetic and people-centric leaders wonder if their kindness is perceived as weakness, tempting them to embrace a more aggressive stance. But must effective leadership always come with a firm hand?

Contrary to the popular belief that success requires ruthlessness, leaders who are intrinsically compassionate can indeed be effective without compromising their nature. The danger lies in misguidedly reshaping oneself to fit a preconceived notion of leadership.

The solution? Implementing solid governance procedures. These aren't just corporate jargon but tangible tools like performance metrics, deliverable tracking, and accountability systems. Such tools offer a balanced playing field. For example, consistent meetings for progress updates or clear metrics to gauge performance can reinforce the importance of meeting expectations.

Thus, compassionate leaders can remain true to their nature while ensuring tasks are accomplished. They communicate that, while kindness prevails, performance is paramount. They prove that true leadership embraces compassion and conviction in equal measure.

“One of the criticisms I’ve faced over the years is that I’m not aggressive enough or assertive enough or maybe somehow because I’m empathetic, it means I’m weak. I totally rebel against that. I refuse to believe that you cannot be both compassionate and strong” – Jacinda Ardern, 40th Prime Minister of New Zealand

Imagine someone with all the right skills and knowledge. What's that little extra they need to focus on? It's simple things: building relationships, listening to feedback, really getting to know others, and showing they care. These small actions make a big difference in being a great leader.

These observations inspired my research and became the driving force behind my new book.