Elon Musk says empathy is a weakness. I say it’s your superpower. That’s not just a difference of opinion. It’s a fork in the road for how we lead.

Musk’s approach might appeal to those who believe leadership is about speed, control, and not looking back.

But let me be clear: Empathy isn’t about being soft. It’s about being smart.
It’s not about avoiding tough calls; it’s about making them with your eyes open.

In today’s world of conflict, chaos, and constant change, empathy isn’t a luxury. It’s a vital leadership tool. And the ones who know how to use it? They’re the leaders people trust, follow, and stay with – even when the going gets tough.

Empathy in a Fractured World

Wars, broken alliances, shifting policies – these are no longer “over there” problems. They land in your inbox, boardroom, offices, and the factory floor. Whether it’s your team, your customers, or your investors, people are on edge.

Empathy helps you read the room and lead in a way that’s steady, fair, and human. It’s how you keep people with you – not just working for you.

What if empathy helped you lead with strength and steadiness when everyone else is reacting?

The Business Case for Empathy

We’ve seen how recent economic shocks can throw everything into question. When the pressure’s on, the default move is to cut, tighten, protect.

The leaders I know who excelled during these times – the ones who kept their people, customers, and equilibrium – were those who led with empathy.

They didn’t guess. They asked. They listened. Then they acted. And because of that, they kept their people, customers, and their edge.

What if your next great decision came from listening more, not talking more?

Empathy Isn’t a Distraction – It’s a Decision

This isn’t about feelings over facts. It’s using both to make better calls because you understand what people are going through.

Empathy shapes how you hire, run meetings, make decisions, and give feedback. It changes how pressure shows up in your culture.

It’s not a nice-to-have. It’s a must-have.

What if empathy wasn’t the soft stuff but the real stuff that leadership is made of?

A Challenge for Leaders

If you’re stepping into a bigger leadership role – or want to – ask yourself:

• Do I truly understand what’s happening with the people I lead?
• Am I creating space for others to speak and be heard?
• Do I treat empathy as part of my job – or as something I’ll get to later?

Leadership without empathy creates burnout, turnover, and mistrust. Leadership with empathy creates loyalty, trust, and momentum, particularly in these times of conflict, chaos, and constant change.

What if you made empathy a part of how you lead, especially when it’s challenging?

What Next?

As numerous current examples demonstrate, you can either lead through fear or lead through trust.

So, this week, ask your team. “Are we building systems that reward empathy or just execution?” Then just listen. It might be the most powerful move you make all week.

If you want to be one of those rare individuals who lead with more clarity, purpose, and connection, start with empathy – not as a buzzword but as your way of working.

Empathy isn’t a weakness. It’s a decision. A leadership discipline. Maybe even your superpower – if you let it be.

Let’s unlock better – together.