Leadership is lonely. Most leaders don’t get enough support or positive feedback. And that includes our own boss too. Annie Riley and top executive coach Ed Batista break down why it’s so hard to empathize up— and how simple shifts like checking in or offering genuine positive feedback can change the dynamic, because sometimes the most powerful move is truly seeing the person behind the role.
Time Stamps:
00:00 Meet Ed Batista
02:36 Why empathizing up is so hard
03:48 The myth of the “invulnerable” leader
05:11 How to actually start empathizing up
06:45 Why your boss isn’t getting enough positive feedback
08:39 Empathizing up vs. managing up
09:56 Empathy does not mean agreement
12:03 What to do when your boss shuts you down
16:34 It’s probably not about you
20:07 Intent vs. impact
24:50 Leaders as shock absorbers
31:49 Pain is mandatory. Suffering is optional.
33:50 The danger of overvaluing feelings at work
39:07 Is the story you’re telling serving you?
41:52 Leadership is intuition, not a formula
Level up your leadership skills with Fort Light
Nominate Your Best Manager Ever
Best Manager Ever is a Production of Fort Light and Now It’s Hear
","author_name":"Annie Riley"}