In a world that values constant achievement and productivity, it’s easy to find ourselves either stretched to our limits or struggling to find meaning in our work. Both burnout and boredom are realities for many people today, each impacting well-being, engagement, and the capacity to think clearly. A recent Gallup study found that over 70% of people report feeling disengaged at work, a state often fuelled by these extremes.
While burnout and boredom may seem like opposing issues, both can be effectively addressed through empathy—empathy for ourselves and others. As leaders and individuals, cultivating empathy can prevent these challenges from taking root, helping us navigate life’s mountains, oceans, and deserts with resilience and purpose.
Recognising where you are: Mountain, Ocean, or Desert?
It’s important to identify where you find yourself: are you tirelessly “climbing the mountain,” overwhelmed in the “ocean,” or perhaps feeling lost in the “desert”? Each state comes with distinct signs and challenges, and developing the self-awareness to recognise these can be the first step toward creating meaningful change.
The mountain climber’s drive for success often comes with a cost: constant focus on achievement can lead to physical and mental exhaustion, sleeplessness, and the inability to relax. For those who feel overwhelmed in the ocean, the weight of too many tasks, too little time, and limited resources often creates anxiety and paralysis. And for those who feel lost in the desert, the sense of not knowing what comes next or feeling unfulfilled can bring a deep sense of unease. In each case, pausing to understand where you are—and where your team members might be—can help build a compassionate foundation for meaningful action.
The role of empathy in caring leadership
Empathy is at the heart of caring leadership. Whether you’re managing yourself or others, demonstrating empathy can help stave off burnout and boredom by creating a work environment where everyone feels valued, heard, and supported. Caring leadership goes beyond managing tasks and projects; it’s about connecting with others in a way that makes them feel truly seen.
Caring leadership involves listening with empathy to understand what people are going through, rather than assuming or offering solutions prematurely. It’s about asking thoughtful questions that encourage others to share their challenges and perspectives. The act of recognising and appreciating the strengths and values that each person brings can inspire renewed energy and prevent disengagement, turning work into a source of fulfilment rather than stress.
The power of empathy-based self-care
Caring leadership starts with self-care. To be effective, it’s crucial to “listen” to yourself, responding to your own needs with compassion rather than criticism. For those climbing the mountain, practising empathy-based self-care may mean noticing signs of exhaustion and allowing for rest instead of pushing forward. Small steps—such as getting a good night’s sleep, setting more realistic goals, or simply taking time to recharge—can make a substantial difference.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed in the ocean, try stepping back to focus on what’s truly important versus what seems urgent. Taking breaks and spending time in nature can offer the mental space to reflect and renew.
For those lost in the desert, empathy-based self-care might mean finding comfort in uncertainty, embracing the discomfort of not knowing, and staying open to whatever emerges. In each case, approaching your needs with empathy rather than judgement can help you regain a sense of balance and purpose.
Caring Leadership in action: Supporting others through burnout or boredom
For leaders, the ability to support others through empathy is just as essential. Checking in with team members about their well-being, workloads, and motivations shows that you care about more than just their productivity. Ask open-ended questions that invite them to share, such as, “What feels most challenging for you right now?” or “How can I best support you?”
Encourage individuals to express their needs and validate their experiences without rushing to solutions. Remind those feeling overwhelmed in the ocean to acknowledge their achievements rather than focusing solely on what remains undone. For those lost in the desert, listening without judgement allows them to explore their thoughts and emotions. Sometimes, the simple act of providing a safe space for expression can unlock insights and help them rediscover their path.
An example from my own life illustrates the impact of caring leadership. My daughter, overwhelmed with university deadlines and work commitments, fell ill as her body became gripped by a ghastly infection requiring six days in hospital. During her recovery, caring leadership meant reassuring her, seeking medical support when she needed to manage the pain, and offering comfort during her most vulnerable moments. This experience was a reminder that true leadership involves nurturing, listening, and being present. Through this support, she emerged with a newfound resilience and gratitude, having learned the importance of self-care and the value of being cared for by others.
Dispelling myths about caring leadership
Caring leadership can sometimes be misunderstood, especially in business contexts. There’s a common misconception that caring is “soft” or that it lacks a business focus. But caring for team members to perform at their best, giving them purpose, clear responsibilities, and space for personal growth are powerful motivators that lead to better outcomes for individuals and organisations alike. In reality, it takes courage to lead with care and to say, “You matter.” When employees feel valued, they bring greater value to their teams, organisations, and families. Caring leadership is, in fact, a cornerstone of sustainable success.
Practical tools for leading with empathy
To make empathy a consistent part of your leadership, try establishing regular “caring check-ins” with yourself and your team. This could mean setting aside time to ask your team members how they’re really feeling, offering support in specific ways, and giving them the freedom to share openly.
Mindful decision-making is also essential; leaders can adopt practices to question assumptions and encourage liberating rather than limiting beliefs. By creating a workplace culture where empathy and care are part of every interaction, leaders can create an environment where people feel energised, purposeful, and valued.
Final reflection:
Today, consider one step you can take to show empathy—either to yourself or someone else. Ask, “What’s on your mind?” or “How are you really doing?” When we lead with care, we unlock the best thinking, resilience, and creativity in ourselves and others.
If this resonates with you, I’d love to hear your thoughts. Simply connect with me on LinkedIn or email me and if you would like to, reach out to explore how we can lead with care for ourselves and others.
