Empathy and Political Leadership

In recent years, there has been a rise in populism around the world. As people have sought to make sense of shifts in society and culture, and find solutions to economic precarity, job insecurity, and growing internationalism and globalization, leaders have emerged promising to return their countries to former glories, and champion the strength of national identities. From President Trump in America, to President Jair Bolsonaro in Brazil, and Prime Minister Boris Johnson in the UK, their leadership styles have been based on ideas of ‘strongmen’ and powerful personalities, capable of achieving change. They have had some success, and given voice to sections of society that have felt marginalized or left-behind. Nevertheless, their leadership styles have their limitations, which the pandemic, and protests in support of Black Lives Matter and equality, have made more evident. 

In contrast to this populist trend, there has also been a rise in different forms of politics. This politics champions inclusivity, diversity, equality, and puts well-being at the heart of government. Although small, countries like New Zealand, Finland, Denmark, and Sweden have been at the forefront of this movement. During the pandemic, they have revealed the strength in kindness, and the importance of using empathy to foster unity, inclusion, and community at a time of near universal uncertainty in the face of a global health crisis. They suggest there is another way to lead, and offer security and reassurance. In the process, they have proven adaptable and able to innovate and respond to events at short notice, sensitive to the public moods and needs of their citizens. 

There is no one size fits all approach to leadership. Different segments of society, want diverse things from their leaders. Some look to their leaders for strength, others for compassion. Although it is hard to do both well, the two are not incompatible. In fact, this book argues that strength, resilience, and effective long-term strategy lie in striking that balance, and in bring greater humanity, understanding and empathy into political leadership. Despite its connotations for weakness, empathy is a strength, and an asset in politics, that can be used for positive or negative outcomes depending on your politics. It can contribute to more citizen-centric policies, help foster inclusivity and diversity, aid greater responsiveness to change and bring to leaders a humility and understanding of the role and responsibilities of high office that can help to build and inspire public trust. Conversely, it can be used by populist leaders to give voice to elements in society that want to create in-groups, and out-groups, differentiating ‘others’ and restricting rights. 

At a time of global instability and uncertainty, my new book Empathy in Politics and Leadership looks at what empathy really means in politics, in its many forms, and how it can be harnessed by leaders to inspire change. Taking current events as its starting point, it looks at a wide-range of situations, including times of war, peace, terrorism, and social unrest, to articulate how it is a valuable but underappreciated asset in leadership and how it can make a difference not only to politics but to societies as a whole.