Evans Akpo

As the year continues, it would be great to embrace Growth Through Subtraction.

When you identify what nourishes your soul and brings you joy, give yourself permission to make space for it. If time or energy feels scarce for what truly matters, it’s a clear sign to let go of what doesn’t. Subtracting the unnecessary creates room for growth, clarity, and fulfillment.

Every time you let go of negativity or clutter, you make room for positivity and progress. It’s worth reflecting: if life feels overwhelming, begin simplifying. Release habits, relationships, or commitments that no longer serve you. Growth often comes from letting go of what once felt indispensable but no longer aligns with who you’re becoming.

Life’s transitions show us the power of adaptability. We outgrow what we once held dear and embrace unexpected joys. Pause often to honor your journey — the challenges you’ve faced and the strength you’ve gained. Each step forward deserves acknowledgment so you can keep moving forward with grace.

When the pain of holding on outweighs the fear of letting go, it’s time to release and embrace what’s next. Let go. Grow. Thrive.

In my doctoral classes, I require students to complete a personal reflection and leadership questionnaire each week. While many find this exercise beneficial, one recurring theme that stands out to me is the revelation students have about leadership, particularly in relation to empathy. Many students express surprise at the realization that their previous understanding of leadership was incomplete, often lacking a crucial element: empathy.

One student succinctly articulated this insight, stating, “I do need to work on my empathy towards others.” This observation underscores a critical point: effective leadership necessitates a deep understanding and consideration of others. Whether you are in academia, a religious institution, or a business organization, a lack of empathy can significantly hinder your ability to lead effectively.

Empathy is not merely a soft skill; it is a fundamental component of successful leadership. By understanding and connecting with the experiences and perspectives of those you lead, you can foster trust, build relationships, and inspire others to follow your vision. Empathy allows you to navigate challenges with compassion, resolve conflicts effectively, and create a positive and inclusive work environment.

#Leadership #Empathy #EmotionalIntelligence #LeadershipDevelopment #PersonalGrowth

Author Brené Brown, in Dare to Lead,” emphasizes the importance of vulnerability and empathy in building strong communities (Brown, 2018). Brown posits that ethical leaders embrace vulnerability as a strength and cultivate empathy to forge deep connections with others (Brown, 2018). By creating spaces of inclusivity and authenticity, they lay the foundation for meaningful relationships and collective growth.

In the vibrant city of Los Angeles, Dr. Maya Angelou, a beacon of wisdom and resilience, exemplified the essence of ethical leadership through her unwavering commitment to social justice and unity (Angelou, 2015). As a poet, activist, and educator, Dr. Angelou inspired countless individuals to embrace diversity and celebrate the richness of human experience. Through her words and actions, she ignited a spirit of community that transcended boundaries and brought people together in solidarity.

In essence, ethical leaders serve as catalysts for community building, weaving the threads of compassion and understanding to create tapestries of unity and resilience. By embracing the principles of servant leadership and fostering empathy, they leave an indelible mark on the hearts of those they serve, transforming lives and shaping the fabric of society for generations to come.

Ethical leaders are distinguished by their unwavering commitment to serving the needs and interests of others, placing the well-being of their followers above their own self-interests.

An exemplary example of ethical leadership centered on serving others can be found in the actions of Dr. Héctor P. García, a prominent figure in Houston, Texas. Dr. García, a physician and civil rights activist, dedicated his life to serving marginalized communities, particularly Hispanic Americans. He founded the American GI Forum in 1948, advocating for the rights of Hispanic veterans and their families. Dr. García’s selfless dedication to serving others exemplifies the essence of ethical leadership, demonstrating a profound commitment to social justice and community empowerment.

Furthermore, scholars such as James Kouzes and Barry Posner, in their seminal work “The Leadership Challenge,” emphasize the importance of leaders serving others as a cornerstone of effective leadership. They assert, “Leadership is not about the leader; it’s about the followers and the outcomes they achieve together” (Kouzes & Posner, 2017, p. 56), highlighting the centrality of servant leadership in fostering collaboration and achieving shared goals.

In addition, Simon Sinek, in his book “Leaders Eat Last,” underscores the significance of leaders prioritizing the needs of their followers and creating environments of trust and cooperation. He states, “Great leaders sacrifice their own comfort— even their own survival—for the good of those in their care” (Sinek, 2014, p. 73), emphasizing the sacrificial nature of ethical leadership in service of others.

Moreover, Robert Greenleaf, the founder of the modern servant leadership movement, advocates for a paradigm shift from traditional hierarchical leadership models to servant leadership, where leaders prioritize the growth and development of their followers. He contends, “The servant-leader is servant first… It begins with the natural feeling that one wants to serve” (Greenleaf, 1977, p. 27), highlighting the intrinsic motivation of ethical leaders to serve others.

In conclusion, ethical leaders exemplify the principle of serving others, embodying a deep sense of empathy, compassion, and selflessness in their leadership approach. Through their actions, they inspire trust, foster collaboration, and create environments where individuals can thrive and flourish.

In Peter Northouse’s seminal work “Leadership: Theory and Practice,” the concept of ethical leadership emerges as a foundational cornerstone, emphasizing the importance of integrity, fairness, and justice in guiding leaders’ actions. Among the cardinal virtues of ethical leadership, justice stands out as a beacon of moral clarity, calling upon leaders to uphold principles of fairness and equity in their decision-making processes.

Ethical leaders, as Northouse contends, are inherently just, demonstrating a steadfast commitment to treating all individuals with impartiality and respect. They strive to create environments where fairness reigns supreme, ensuring that every voice is heard, and every perspective is valued. This commitment to justice extends beyond mere compliance with rules and regulations; it reflects a deep-seated belief in the inherent dignity and worth of every individual.

An exemplary illustration of ethical leadership rooted in justice can be found in the actions of Mahatma Gandhi during India’s struggle for independence. Gandhi, renowned for his unwavering commitment to nonviolent resistance and social justice, embodied the principles of ethical leadership in his quest for freedom and equality. He famously declared, “In matters of conscience, the law of the majority has no place” (Gandhi, 1961, p. 92), emphasizing the primacy of moral principles over mere legalistic considerations.

Moreover, Gandhi’s leadership was characterized by a profound sense of empathy and compassion for the oppressed, as he sought to address the systemic injustices perpetuated by colonial rule. His commitment to justice transcended national boundaries, inspiring movements for civil rights and social justice around the world.

In contemporary leadership contexts, the imperative of ethical leadership remains as vital as ever, with leaders across various domains called upon to uphold principles of justice and fairness. As Northouse aptly observes, “Ethical leadership involves making decisions that are fair and just for all concerned” (Northouse, 2018, p. 398), underscoring the centrality of justice in ethical leadership practice.

In conclusion, the concept of justice serves as a guiding principle for ethical leaders, imbuing their actions with a sense of moral purpose and responsibility. Through their unwavering commitment to fairness and equity, ethical leaders inspire trust, foster collaboration, and cultivate environments where individuals can flourish and thrive.

Assisting others in carrying their burdens is a timeless virtue that has been exemplified by iconic figures in history. Queen Elizabeth II, the reigning monarch of the United Kingdom, and Mother Teresa, the renowned Catholic nun and missionary, both provide compelling case studies of individuals who have dedicated their lives to serving others and alleviating their burdens. Examining their experiences sheds light on the profound advantages of extending a helping hand to those in need.

Queen Elizabeth II embodies the concept of compassion and support through her philanthropic endeavors and unwavering commitment to her people. As the longest-reigning monarch in British history, she has navigated tumultuous times with grace and empathy. Queen Elizabeth once remarked, “I have to be seen to be believed,” emphasizing the importance of personal presence and engagement in fostering connections and understanding the struggles of her subjects (Smith, 2012). By actively engaging with communities affected by hardship, she demonstrates genuine care and solidarity, inspiring hope and resilience among her people.

Similarly, Mother Teresa, revered for her selfless dedication to the impoverished and marginalized, exemplifies the transformative power of bearing the burdens of others. Through her tireless work in the slums of Calcutta and beyond, she provided comfort and assistance to countless individuals facing unimaginable hardships. Mother Teresa famously said, “It’s not how much we give but how much love we put into giving,” underscoring the significance of compassion and empathy in alleviating the burdens of others (Teresa, 2000). Her profound acts of kindness and compassion transcended cultural and religious boundaries, leaving a lasting legacy of love and compassion.

The advantages of helping bear the burdens of others, as demonstrated by Queen Elizabeth II and Mother Teresa, extend beyond individual acts of kindness to encompass broader societal benefits. Research in psychology and sociology has shown that altruistic behavior promotes social cohesion and enhances overall well-being (Piliavin & Charng, 1990). By fostering a sense of interconnectedness and solidarity, acts of compassion contribute to the creation of supportive communities where individuals feel valued and supported.

Furthermore, assisting others in times of need can have a profound impact on one’s own mental and emotional health. Studies have shown that engaging in prosocial behavior, such as helping others, is associated with greater life satisfaction and reduced stress levels (Post, 2005). By extending compassion and support to those facing adversity, individuals not only contribute to the welfare of others but also experience personal fulfillment and a sense of purpose.

In conclusion, the examples of Queen Elizabeth II and Mother Teresa illustrate the inherent advantages of helping bear the burdens of others. Through their acts of compassion and selflessness, they demonstrate the transformative power of empathy and solidarity in promoting individual and societal well-being. As echoed by experts in the field, the act of giving with love and compassion not only uplifts others but also enriches the lives of those who extend a helping hand.

References:

Piliavin, J. A., & Charng, H. W. (1990). Altruism: A review of recent theory and research. Annual Review of Sociology, 16(1), 27-65.

Post, S. G. (2005). Altruism, happiness, and health: It’s good to be good. International Journal of Behavioral Medicine, 12(2), 66-77.

Smith, L. (2012). Queen Elizabeth II: A biography of the queen’s life and reign. The British Monarchy. Retrieved from https://www.royal.uk/queen-elizabeth-ii

Teresa, M. (2000). A simple path. New York: Ballantine Books.