Organizational leadership is perhaps more important now than ever before. That's why I've been spending part of the summer reading a book called Saving Face: How to Preserve Dignity and Build Trust by Maya Hu-Chan. It outlines several ways to increase self esteem, reputation, and status in others, all while reducing shame, fear, vulnerability, and other negative emotions. Being empathetic comes across as one of the most important traits of a good leader. As Hu-Chan says in the book, "Humanity is key, ego is the enemy."

While reading the book, I also came across an article (paywall access may be required) in the Friday, June 19, 2020 edition of the Wall Street Journal written by Jared Diamond. Jared's article is about how the Kansas City Royals were the only Major League Baseball team during the pandemic not to let go of any minor league players, and showcases one of the strongest, best quotes on leadership I've ever seen. Royals General Manager Dayton Moore is quote as saying, “We shouldn’t be applauded for that. That’s just what you’re supposed to do. If you accept the responsibility of a leadership position, it begins with putting others first, and if you can’t do that, you don’t deserve the privilege to lead.”

Now that's empathetic. That's putting humanity above ego. We need a whole lot more of that these days.