EMPATHY WORKS

A guide offers advice on fostering empathy in the modern workplace.

Creator of the podcast Transforming Work, Wade builds on two years of anecdotes and interviews in this meaningful discussion of empathy. Defined by the author as “the ability to put yourself in someone else’s shoes and feel what they are feeling,” empathy is increasingly understood as vital for business success. Yet its application can overwhelm leaders torn between efficiency and individualism. While Wade acknowledges that human-centric workplaces can be “messy,” she compellingly asserts that empathy gives businesses a crucial competitive advantage. Providing flexibility and customization for teams and consumers alike, empathy drives adaptation. For leaders eager to explore more empathetic processes, Wade provides helpful tips, including guidance for assessing different work models, creating empathy profiles, adopting meaningful metrics, and evaluating company culture through stakeholders’ eyes. Moreover, the author asserts, attitude is the key to a successful metamorphosis. A willingness to learn, listen, and experiment can transform a company from within, improving all aspects of business operations in the process. Easy to read and filled with effective advice, the manual delivers a valuable resource for professionals of all backgrounds. Demystifying the concept of empathy, Wade challenges the idea that human-centric workplaces are excessively emotional or unstructured—fears that can hinder the development of flexible policies. Instead, the author posits that empathy is about empowerment and inclusion, which enable team members to perform at their best. And though change always comes with some risk of confusion, Wade notes that the Covid-19 pandemic exposed long-standing vulnerabilities in workplace culture. Now that leaders are aware of the sudden social and corporate challenges they may again be asked to navigate, the question is no longer if businesses can afford to concentrate on the needs of their employees, but if they can afford not to.

An insightful and practical must-read for leaders focused on the future.