When we have more power, we tend to have less empathy. Guard against this by viewing supporting others as a privilege.
Past guest Rita McGrath reminds us that:
Snow melts from the edges. The most effective leaders can and will see this if they are present at the edges.
When supporting people behind you:
- Begin with a short conversation — help in the moment, if you can.
- Invite them to take the first step. Avoid doing the work for them.
- Start small with a single topic or behavior change.
- Spend as much time listening and asking questions as you do talking.
- Ask them to take action before the next conversation.
Resources
- The Power Paradox: How We Gain and Lose Influence by Dacher Keltner
- Powerful Teaching: Unleash the Science of Learning by Pooja Agarwal and Patrice Bain
Related Episodes
- Use Power for Good and Not Evil, with Dacher Keltner (episode 254)
- Six Tactics for Extraordinary Performance, with Morten Hansen (episode 337)
- What You Gain By Sponsoring People, with Julia Taylor Kennedy (episode 398)
- Help People Learn Through Powerful Teaching, with Pooja Agarwal (episode 421)
- Leadership in the Midst of Chaos, with Jim Mattis (episode 440)
