Marcel Schwantes: A Look at the Science and Best Practices of Leading with Empathy

Episode recap:

Marcel discusses the concept of kindness in leadership, focusing on empathetic interactions as one of two types of kindness that work well in the leadership trenches, backed by science. He explains that kindness can spread throughout an organization, creating a more civil work atmosphere. Marcel presents five practical ways to practice empathic leadership: active listening, showing genuine interest in team members, encouraging perspective-taking, maintaining open communication, and discussing empathy as a cultural value. 

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Bio:

Marcel Schwantes is a speaker, author, and acclaimed executive coach with a global following. Marcel delivers presentations, workshops, courses, and coaching programs about the human side of business and how cultures of care, connection, and belonging power companies to thrive and outperform the competition. 

Quotes: 

• "Empathy is a competency that can be learned. When it's displayed among teams, it helps bring people together." 
• "When you interact with a colleague or a direct report, try to understand how the person is feeling, not how you would feel in the same situation." 

Takeaways: 

• Practice active listening in your next three workplace conversations by focusing entirely on understanding the other person's feelings, not your own perspective. 
• Map out your team members' individual goals and interests, then intentionally match their upcoming work assignments to align with those personal objectives. 
• Conduct a quick self-audit: Ask your direct reports to rate your empathy on a scale of 1-10, and be prepared to hear honest feedback without becoming defensive.  

Timestamps: 

[00:09] How Kindness Actually Shapes Better Leadership 

[02:35] What Gen Z Really Wants from Their Bosses 

[04:54] Five Ways to Lead with Empathy That Stick 

[07:40] Why Compassion Will Be the Next Big Topic 

 

Conclusion: 

Kindness in leadership isn’t just a personal trait—it’s a practical skill that shapes how teams work together. When leaders show empathy and take time to truly listen, they help build trust and stronger connections across the workplace. This approach not only improves morale but also supports long-term performance and retention, especially among younger employees. By making empathy part of everyday practice, organizations can become more adaptable, supportive, and effective. 

 

Links/Resources: 

The book: Humane Leadership: Lead with Radical Love, Be a Kick-Ass Boss

Substack: https://marcelschwantes.substack.com/ 

LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/marcelschwantes/ 

Twitter/X: https://x.com/MarcelSchwantes 

YouTube: https://youtube.com/@MarcelSchwantes1 

Instagram: https://instagram.com/marcel.schwantes/ 

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