Empathy Is Not A Weakness: And Other Stories from The Edge

What makes a great leader? Often, it's our worst leaders and toxic leadership behaviors that teach us the most about creating better leadership experiences for others. In this enlightening book, Loren Sanders reveals the seven key practices essential for gaining empathy and motivating others. Companies in which people feel seen, heard, and supported tend to be far more successful than those whose employees are disengaged and constantly under stress.
With honesty and humility, Sanders describes how she came to recognize her own shortcomings as a leader and face hard truths head-on. She takes us on her journey of self-awareness, sharing vital lessons about listening, gaining perspective, and building trust. With real stories of real people who overcame tough situations at work, Sanders shows how leaders can provide positive and meaningful feedback. Each chapter ends with key takeaways that you can try today to enhance your leadership skills and transform your company's culture, whether you're a seasoned leader or new to a management role.
Accomplishing business goals and caring for people are not mutually exclusive. Empathy is one of the best leadership skills and emotional intelligence traits, and great leaders are willing to share their emotions and feelings with others, and allow them to share theirs. When you're a champion for your team, raise them up, believe them, and believe in them, you empower them to perform their best.

Loren Sanders is a professional synergist with a passion for enhancing corporate culture, building collaborative relationships, and coaching individuals to successful outcomes. She thrives in settings where she can align people's talents and passions while isolating opportunities for growth. Sanders enjoys guiding people to realizations and creating action plans for change. She has spoken at Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) events, Training Industry events, and has been featured on podcasts. Holding a bachelor's degree in community health from the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign and an MBA in organizational behavior from Lake Forest Graduate School of Management, Sanders teaches part time in the Lake Forest Graduate School of Management MBA program and works full time at CVS Health in Enterprise Learning, Development and Performance. She lives in rural Iowa, where she can hike in the backyard with her two enormous German Shepherds, and is married to her high school sweetheart, whom she met when they were in a rock band in high school. She is still fangirling over the bass player.