leadership

Leading with Empathy: A Key to Building Stronger Teams

Think about the best leader you’ve ever worked with. Chances are, they weren’t just technically skilled – they were also authentic, relatable, and honest about their own journey. That’s what we call vulnerable leadership, and it’s transforming how we think about leading teams in life sciences.

Putting it Into Practice

Why Does Vulnerability Matter?

In an industry driven by expertise and precision, it might seem counterintuitive to show vulnerability. But here’s the reality: your team already knows you’re human. When you pretend otherwise, you’re missing an opportunity to build real trust and connection. 

What does authentic vulnerable leadership look like in practice? It’s admitting when you’re working on improving certain skills. It’s sharing stories about challenges you’ve faced. It’s being transparent about your own professional growth journey. Most importantly, it’s creating an environment where continuous learning is the norm, not the exception

The Real Impact

When leaders embrace this approach, something remarkable happens: 

• Teams become more comfortable sharing challenges before they become problems
• Innovation flourishes because people feel safe taking smart risks 
• Feedback becomes more honest and constructive
• Trust deepens, leading to stronger engagement and retention
• The entire team culture shifts from perfection to growth

Making It Work

Let’s be practical about this. You don’t need to bare your soul or share every uncertainty. Instead:

1. Start Small
   Share a current learning goal or a past challenge you’ve overcome. Let your team see that growth is ongoing at every level..  
2. Create Safe Spaces 
   Make it normal to discuss challenges openly. Whether it’s in team meetings or one-on-ones, create opportunities for honest dialogue. 
3. Lead by Example 
   When something doesn’t go as planned, own it. Share what you learned and how you’ll approach it differently next time. 
4. Keep Perspective 
   Remember – vulnerability isn’t about showing weakness. It’s about showing authenticity and demonstrating that continuous improvement is part of everyone’s journey, including yours.

What Gets in the Way of Vulnerability?

Let’s address the common concerns we hear from sales leaders about showing vulnerability:  

“Won’t my team lose confidence in me?” Actually, research shows the opposite. Teams tend to have more confidence in leaders who can acknowledge their humanity while maintaining clear direction and vision.  

“I need to maintain professional distance.” There’s a difference between being vulnerable and being unprofessional. Sharing your growth journey actually reinforces professionalism by demonstrating your commitment to continuous improvement. 

“My industry is too competitive for this approach.” In fact, the complexity of life sciences makes this even more relevant. When leaders model openness about learning and growth, teams become more agile and adaptive to market changes.

Making the Shift

If you’re ready to incorporate more vulnerable leadership into your style, start with these questions: 

• What’s one challenge you’re currently working to overcome?
• What’s a lesson you learned the hard way that could benefit your team? 
• Where do you see opportunities for growth in your leadership? 

Remember, the goal isn’t to completely reinvent your leadership style. It’s about adding another dimension that can make you more effective and your team more successful.