A real life example
Without observing empathy, one cannot establish a strong bond with their people and inspire them to achieve great results. I reckon, good leadership is not only about being successful in projects and achieving goals, it is also about building good relations with your people, taking them along and ensuring that in the process they too grow personally and professionally.
Today, I am reminded of Mr. Sudhakar Shahane, a former CEO of the Kirlosker Group. Mr. Shahane was an exceptional leader. He had all the qualities of a transformational and empathetic leader. When he joined the organization, he emphasized the significance of integrity and discipline. He demonstrated punctuality by always being on time for meetings. He would always be neatly, formally dressed, and would do his work with utmost discipline and punctually. Though he made some firm decisions and was particular about discipline and punctuality, the most striking thing about him was his accessibility to the employees. He was reachable to the people from all levels of hierarchy including common workers and even sweepers. I never saw him communicating in an unparliamentarily manner with anyone. He was very cordial and empathetic. If any staff visited him at his house, he and his wife would warmly welcome them and offer snacks and tea. He would even introduce them to his mother. Gradually, many employees started visiting him at his house, and he and his wife treated everyone in the same manner with humility and respect. Many employees would invite him to their house for different cultural functions and Mr. Shahane along with his wife would visit them graciously. I remember them both visiting even the workers staying in slums, and eating their offerings amiably. Mr. Shahane also helped many workers solve their personal problems.
Soon Mr. Shahane became the most revered leader among all the employees. I still remember a time when the company faced a crisis and there was a serious lack of funds. Mr. Shahane addressed all the workers and appealed to them to work overtime without pay for about four to five months. He assured them to pay all the dues in a course a time. Although the company had a registered union backed by a ruling political party, all the workers at once agreed and worked overtime for the organization. Under his leadership organization achieved multifold growth year on year.
This example of Mr. Shahane emphasizes the significance of building good relations with employees. He was a true transformational and empathetic leader.
If you have come across similar leaders do share your experience.