Leading trough continues dialogue
At the Revolution Conference 2024 in Vilnius Estonian Dialogue Academy founder Bart Cosijn shared his vision on the importance of empathic leadership in relation to dialogue skills in nowadays societies.
Summary
In his talk on empathic leadership, Bart Cosijn, founder of the Estonian Dialogue Academy, emphasises the importance of fostering open and inclusive communication cultures. He shares personal anecdotes, particularly about his son, to illustrate the challenges and realisations that come with being an empathic leader. Bart reflects on his protective instincts as a parent and how he learned to shift from a controlling approach to one that empowers his son, highlighting the need for leaders to listen and understand the perspectives of those they lead.
Bart distinguishes between empathy and sympathy, defining sympathy as a shared emotional response based on personal experiences, while empathy involves understanding another’s feelings without having experienced them first-hand. He explains that empathy allows for deeper connections and understanding, which is crucial for effective leadership. By utilising the concept of mirror neurons, he notes that empathy is a natural skill, especially in children, but can diminish as individuals grow older and societal divisions emerge.
In discussing leadership styles, Bart contrasts charismatic leadership with empathic leadership, noting that both have their merits depending on context and personality. He argues that empathic leadership focuses on community input to shape a shared vision, while charismatic leadership often starts with a leader’s vision. He concludes by expressing a desire for more empathic leaders in Estonia and beyond, emphasising the need for role models who prioritise dialogue and understanding in their leadership practices.
Read the full speech here.
