Today's Edition
Dr. Hayfa Mohamed
The writer is a mental health activist As an electrical engineer, and previously a nerdy student, I was always more focused on numbers. I cared about results and actions, and didn‘t spend much time thinking about feelings and emotions. A few years after joining the workforce, I began to take on leadership positions, often leading teams of engineers with similarly analytical mindsets. At that point, using a straightforward, assertive leadership style was successful. After I got married and had children, I developed a newfound sense of empathy and ability to understand the feelings of others. When I returned to work after some time off being a full-time mother, I found myself reflecting this empathy into my leadership style, with many deeming me a “supportive leader” I encouraged my team members, and accepted their mistakes with understanding. I went on to be nominated the most “influential female leader” in my workplace. As the years passed by, I moved to a different work environment, and found myself facing colleagues with different mindsets. To my surprise, people labelled me “the emotional leader” because I was overly sympathetic with my employees. It took some time, along with a few setbacks, to strike the right balance between empathy and directness, but now, I am grateful for the tough journey. Below are some strategies that can help you balance your assertiveness and empathy to be an effective leader: 1. Improve your self-awareness and learn what triggers you. Learn to manage your emotions and reactions. 2. Be a direct communicator, by confidently, respectfully, and clearly expressing your ideas, thoughts, and feelings, while leaving room for understanding and appreciating the efforts of others. 3. Be a good listener. Practice active and empathetic listening by paying careful attention to what is being said. Acknowledge and reflect the information you are hearing to confirm that you are listening and understanding correctly. 4. Practice constructive feedback. As a leader you should both give and accept constructive criticism. Leaders must always continue their improvement journeys. This not only includes building and experience, but also increasing one‘s emotional intelligence. This allows leaders to build rapport and trust with their team, while also achieving the company‘s goals. Leaders must always continue their improvement journeys. This not only includes building and experience, but also increasing one‘s emotional intelligence
