Empathetic Leadership

Abstract

This chapter explores the benefits and barriers to making higher education more empathetic and the connections between empathy and leadership. Embedding empathy in classes and in teaching leadership benefits students' holistic development and strengthens diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. The interwoven connections between empathy, listening, leadership, and social justice issues are explored. Developing and strengthening empathy levels in students and within campus departments increases awareness of and commitment to important social justice issues. This chapter outlines personal, environmental, and institutional barriers that prevent students from fully engaging in empathetic leadership. Effective interventions to disrupt and reduce these barriers are discussed, along with ways educators may struggle to adopt and implement activities that promote the advancement of empathetic skills. Educators can and should serve as role models for students by demonstrating empathetic leadership within and outside the classroom. Future implications for higher education are shared.