How Empathy Drives Success: A Leadership Lesson from To Kill a Mockingbird
One of my favorite books as a child was To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. A scene that has stayed with me for nearly 40 years is when Atticus Finch teaches his young daughter, Scout, an invaluable lesson about empathy and understanding others.
“If you can learn a simple trick, Scout, you’ll get along a lot better with all kinds of folks. You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view... Until you climb inside of his skin and walk around in it.”
This quote came to mind recently while I was preparing a client for an interview. She asked what questions the interviewer might ask her. That’s when it struck me: Atticus’ lesson is the perfect metaphor for the role empathy plays in professional success.
My advice to her was simple: “Put yourself in the shoes of the CEO interviewing you. What challenges might she be facing in her role, and how can you position yourself as the solution?”
This approach shifts the focus away from simply answering questions to demonstrating an understanding of the company’s needs. When you show genuine empathy and awareness of someone else’s challenges, you can offer tailored solutions—whether in an interview, as a leader, or as a collaborator.
Empathy as a Tool for Leadership and Business Success
Empathy isn't just useful in interviews—it’s a cornerstone of effective leadership and business growth. Every guest on my Extrology podcast, whether an entrepreneur, executive, or innovator, has at some point used empathy to solve a problem or build a connection. The ability to step outside of one’s own perspective and truly understand another’s challenges is what separates average leaders from great ones.
Empathy allows leaders to foster trust, inspire their teams, and anticipate the needs of their customers. In a business landscape driven by relationships, the most successful leaders aren’t just those who make decisions—they’re those who understand how their decisions impact others.
For example, one of my podcast guests, Tony Connolly, founder of AccountsIQ, spoke about the importance of empathy in scaling his business. He emphasized how understanding the unique needs of his clients helped him create solutions that not only solved their immediate issues but also fostered long-term partnerships that contributed to his company’s growth.
Developing Empathy as a Professional Skill
Empathy is more than understanding someone’s feelings—it’s about connecting with their perspective. While some people are naturally more empathetic, it’s a skill that can be developed with intentional practice. For professionals, empathy translates into better communication, stronger relationships, and a deeper understanding of how to deliver value.
Here’s how you can hone your empathy skills in the workplace:
Actively listen during conversations, focusing on the speaker’s needs rather than just waiting for your turn to respond.
Ask questions that help you understand the challenges others face, and reflect on how you can provide meaningful solutions.
Step into the shoes of your clients, team members, or partners, thinking about their pain points and how you can help alleviate them.
In today’s rapidly evolving business world, empathy is a key differentiator for leaders who want to create lasting impact. It’s not just a soft skill—it’s a powerful tool for strategic thinking and innovation.
Applying Empathy in a Polarized World
In an increasingly polarized world, I sometimes wonder if empathy is becoming a lost art. But the stories shared by my podcast guests remind me that empathy remains essential. It’s the foundation for meaningful collaboration, problem-solving, and leadership.
Empathy doesn’t just benefit relationships—it drives business success by creating a culture of trust and understanding. Whether you’re managing a team, pitching to clients, or leading a company, empathy allows you to anticipate and meet the needs of those around you.
Hear from Leaders Who Use Empathy to Drive Success
If you want to learn more about how empathy fuels career and business success, tune into the Extrology podcast. Recent guests like Tony Connolly and Holly Budge have shared how they’ve used empathy to drive growth, connect with people, and create lasting impact in their industries. Their insights show how powerful empathy can be in navigating today’s challenges, whether you’re an entrepreneur or a business leader.