Balancing Empathy and Authority in Leadership Finding Balance: In the realm of leadership, finding the right balance between empathy and authority is crucial. In an Podcast, TruSyrum, the host also explores this delicate balance, emphasizing its importance in fostering trust and respect within a team. Understanding the Balance: The podcast highlights that too much empathy can lead to indecisiveness, while excessive authority can create fear and lack of respect. The key is to maintain both qualities to ensure effective leadership. Strategies for Effective Leadership: 1. Get Curious Before Being Directive: Leaders should ask questions to understand situations better before making decisions. 2. Start With Clear Expectations with Kindness: It's essential to communicate expectations clearly and kindly to avoid neglect. 3. Remain Consistent When It Counts: Consistency in leadership fosters trust and cohesion within the team. Personal Connections & Reflection: Over the course of my career, I’ve learned an invaluable lesson and that is no matter what position you’re in whether you’re dealing with your direct report or your manager you have to always position and present yourself as a learner—often challenging. As a leader, presenting as a learner towards your team, opens those who report to you more. Generally, they become more receptive to your feedback, but also feel valued, which goes a long way when you are delivering adjustable feedback as a leader. If you’re on the receiving end and your leader asks you to adjust your practice, just understand that there’s always room to grow. Even if you think the feedback isn’t applicable, remember if you try a new strategy and it doesn’t work for you, you can come back to the drawing board. However, if you meet feedback with resistance, you’re generally going to stifle your growth. So when faced with the opportunity to engage in delivering or receiving feedback, present as a leader and learner—ask: - how can I be more of a learner in this moment? - if there’s ever tension or stagnation does my disposition have anything to do with the situation?Remember: - Having a Growth Mindset is of extreme importance. One must always strive for better outcomes and remain open to growth and learning.

“Which do you trust more in leadership: instinct, data, your boss or experience?”

Welcome to The Third Room… Introductions, but make it real: answer the following in a post please— “Who are you, who do you serve, and what’s one truth about your work you don’t usually say out loud?” **Workspace pic optional—but bonus points if it shows the mess. “Name a movie or book that quietly changed how you see power, education, or yourself—and why.” “One practice you’ve stopped doing because it looked good on paper but didn’t work in real life.” The Third Room prompt: “What’s a conversation you wish existed in your school or org—but doesn’t?”