Leading with Empathy: How Humanity Trumps Technical Skills in Times of Change, with Jonathan H. Westover PhD

Abstract: As technological advances like artificial intelligence, robotics, big data analytics, and 3D printing automate many routine jobs, leaders can no longer rely solely on technical skills to succeed as research shows soft skills centered around emotional intelligence, communication, collaboration, and problem-solving are growing in importance, with a World Economic Forum report and LinkedIn data finding skills like critical thinking, creativity, empathy, and adaptability outpacing specialized abilities and Gallup also linking emotionally intelligent leadership to improved productivity, retention, and profits. Therefore, as technologies disrupt industries, make expertise obsolete, and transformations occur, the article examines how leaders who nurture their humanity through empathy, compassion, and meaningful human connections like Tesla's Elon Musk who prioritized passion and risk-taking and Cleveland Clinic's Dr. Tomislav Mihaljevic who championed understanding employees and shared purpose over wizardry will thrive by positively transforming organizations facing rapid change from within through engaged, innovative cultures buffered from disruption, as in uncertain times of transformation, humanity - not technical prowess alone - will define leadership capable of positively impacting organizations.