Leading with Empathy When the World Feels Heavy
“People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” — Maya Angelou.
It’s no secret the world feels heavier these days. Between news of layoffs, rising costs, global conflicts, and social division, it’s hard to escape the tension. Even in the workplace, people carry silent worries about job security, family, and the future.
If you’ve felt the weight of it all while trying to stay positive for your team, you’re not alone. Leading right now isn’t easy. But it’s also a moment where true leaders rise not by pretending everything’s fine, but by leading with empathy, steadiness, and heart.
When the Weight of the World Walks into Work
You don’t have to look far to see the impact of the outside world inside your office. Maybe a team member is distracted because a partner just got laid off. Perhaps you’ve noticed more stress in meetings or more silence in group chats.
It’s easy to slip into “just focus on work” mode, but the truth is, people can’t always leave their lives at the door. Empathy means recognizing that and responding with understanding, not frustration. You don’t need to have all the answers. You need to show you see your people —and there are five practical ways to do just that.
1. Start Every Week with a Human Check-In
Before diving into deadlines and deliverables, take five minutes to connect. Ask simple, open questions like:
“How’s everyone feeling as we head into this week?”
“What’s one thing you need from the team right now?”
These small conversations signal that your team’s emotional health matters as much as their performance.
2. Lead with Presence, Not Perfection
When uncertainty rises —whether in the economy, company structure, or global headlines —people don’t need flawless leaders. They need the present ones.
Be visible. Be available. Even if you can’t fix the problem, your presence creates calm. As one leader said to me recently, “Sometimes leadership isn’t about answers, it’s about anchored energy.”
3. Normalize Emotional Honesty
Empathy doesn’t mean turning meetings into therapy sessions. It means creating space for honesty. You might say:
“I know there’s a lot happening in the world right now, and it’s understandable if you’re feeling distracted or drained. Let’s focus on what we can control together.”
When you acknowledge reality, people relax. They feel seen. And that opens the door for renewed focus.
4. End the Week with Gratitude
Gratitude is one of the most powerful tools in a leader’s toolbox, especially in hard times. It costs nothing but means everything.
Before you close out each week, send a quick thank-you note or message to one person on your team. It could be as simple as,
“I noticed how you handled that client issue. Your calm made a difference.”
Those moments of recognition remind people they matter, even when the world feels uncertain.
5. Guard Your Own Energy
Empathy doesn’t mean carrying everyone’s emotions. It means leading from a full cup. Protect your own well-being by:
Setting boundaries on your time and energy.
Taking small breaks throughout the day to breathe or reset.
Talking with a mentor, coach, or peer when you feel overwhelmed.
You can’t pour from an empty cup, and your steadiness sets the tone for everyone else.
A Different Kind of Strength
Empathy is not weakness. It’s not “soft leadership.” In times like these, it’s the strongest skill you can have. Because empathy builds trust, and trust fuels performance, creativity, and loyalty, which every company needs right now.
So as you lead through another unpredictable week, remember: You don’t have to solve everything. You just have to show up with heart.
The world might feel heavy, but leadership rooted in empathy can make it lighter, one conversation, one kind word, one moment at a time.
Your Leadership Challenge This Week
Ask yourself:
“Who on my team could use a little extra encouragement right now?”
Then take one action: send a note, make a call, or give a sincere compliment. It’s small, but it matters more than you know.
And if you found this post helpful, subscribe to the EXCEL2WIN Leadership Newsletter for weekly inspiration, tools, and reflection worksheets to help you grow as a leader who leads with courage, compassion, and clarity.
When the world feels heavy and uncertainty fills our days, Dare to Lead by Brené Brown shines like a steady light. This isn’t just another leadership book — it’s a bold invitation to lead with courage, empathy, and heart. Brown challenges the old idea that leaders must be invincible, showing instead that real strength comes from vulnerability, connection, and compassion.
In Dare to Lead, Brown breaks down how trust is built — not through titles or control — but through consistency, curiosity, and authenticity. She reminds us that courageous leaders don’t shy away from tough conversations or emotions; they lean into them. That message aligns beautifully with our recent article, “Leading with Empathy When the World Feels Heavy.” Both share a truth every modern leader needs to hear: empathy isn’t a soft skill; it’s a superpower.
This book is a must-read for anyone ready to replace fear with courage and perfection with presence. It teaches you how to show up — imperfect but brave — for yourself and your team, especially when times are tough.
Take the leap.
Order Dare to Lead and subscribe to The EXCEL2WIN Leadership Newsletter for weekly inspiration, tools, and growth resources to help you lead with purpose and heart.
