The Power and Risk of Empathy - When Empathy Goes Wrong at Work

The Power & Risks of Empathy: When Empathy Becomes Too Much

In part two of this series, Erin explores what happens when empathy becomes too much and begins to impact your ability to lead. She unpacks how over-identifying as an empath and constantly holding space for others can lead to overwhelm without strong boundaries and self-awareness. Erin reframes empathy as a matter of capacity—not just feeling—and offers a more sustainable way to practice it in leadership. Today on Tactical Empathy: * Empathy is about how much you can hold, not how much you can feel. * Over-identifying as an empath limits your leadership capacity. * Building space for yourself is essential to practicing true empathy. * Changing jobs doesn't solve underlying emotional challenges. * Self-awareness is the first step to sustainable empathy. Connect with Erin: * Instagram: @elthorp [https://www.instagram.com/elthorp/]  * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-thorp-speaker/ * Website: www.erinthorp.ca [https://www.erinthorp.ca/]  * Inside Out Empathy Free Chapter: https://www.insideoutempathy.com/free-chapter/ [https://www.insideoutempathy.com/free-chapter/] * Sign up for “The E in the Room” Newsletter: https://www.erinthorp.ca/newsletter/ [https://www.erinthorp.ca/newsletter/] This show was produced by ELF Solutions Inc [https://www.erinthorp.ca].

The Power and Risk of Empathy - When Empathy Goes Wrong at Work

In this episode of Tactical Empathy, Erin explores both the power and the risk of empathy in the workplace—what happens when a leadership strength starts to work against us. Through real-world examples, she unpacks how empathy can be misused or overextended, from avoiding hard conversations to unintentionally applying pressure through emotional leverage. Erin introduces discernment as the key to using empathy effectively, offering practical ways to stay clear, accountable, and grounded so empathy builds trust rather than erodes it. Today on Tactical Empathy: * Empathy can be misused for manipulation if not practiced with discernment. * Trust building through empathy can be exploited to increase expectations or loyalty. * Ruinous empathy involves avoiding tough conversations to prevent discomfort. * Emotional leveraging uses guilt and shame to manipulate team members. * Gaslighting through care diminishes lived experiences and fosters microaggressions. * Support framed as growth opportunities can overload without proper resources. * Discernment, not judgment, is key to using empathy ethically. * Ask yourself if your actions support or avoid hard conversations. * Clarity and accountability are essential for healthy empathy. * Practicing empathy with boundaries prevents it from becoming a weapon. Connect with Erin: * Instagram: @elthorp [https://www.instagram.com/elthorp/]  * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-thorp-speaker/ * Website: www.erinthorp.ca [https://www.erinthorp.ca/]  * Inside Out Empathy Free Chapter: https://www.insideoutempathy.com/free-chapter/ [https://www.insideoutempathy.com/free-chapter/] * Sign up for “The E in the Room” Newsletter: https://www.erinthorp.ca/newsletter/ [https://www.erinthorp.ca/newsletter/] This show was produced by ELF Solutions Inc [https://www.erinthorp.ca].

Building Resilient Teams with Brandon Walker

In this insightful interview, Erin chats with Brandon Walker as he shares his leadership journey, blending military discipline with emotional intelligence. Discover practical practices for self-awareness, team building, and maintaining resilience in demanding environments. Today on Tactical Empathy: * Trust in oneself is key to authentic leadership. * Understanding different parts of oneself enhances empathy. * Regular reflection and feedback foster growth and resilience. Connect with Brandon: * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandon-walker-peng-91744314/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandon-walker-peng-91744314/] Connect with Erin: * Instagram: @elthorp [https://www.instagram.com/elthorp/]  * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-thorp-speaker/ * Website: www.erinthorp.ca [https://www.erinthorp.ca/]  * Inside Out Empathy Free Chapter: https://www.insideoutempathy.com/free-chapter/ [https://www.insideoutempathy.com/free-chapter/] * Sign up for “The E in the Room” Newsletter: https://www.erinthorp.ca/newsletter/ [https://www.erinthorp.ca/newsletter/]

Episode 100: The Real Work

Celebrating the 100th episode of Tactical Empathy, Erin reflects on her journey from engineering to leadership, emphasizing the importance of empathy in tough conversations and team dynamics. This episode explores how staying present in conflict and building safety can transform leadership and foster authentic connections. Today on Tactical Empathy: * Empathy is not about being soft; it's about unlocking team potential. * Building safety in conversations encourages honesty and trust. * The real work of leadership involves staying in tension and conflict. * Practicing empathy is like training a muscle—regular effort is required. * Leaders should believe and explore perspectives shared by others. Connect with Erin: * Instagram: @elthorp [https://www.instagram.com/elthorp/]  * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-thorp-speaker/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-thorp-speaker/] * Website: www.erinthorp.ca [https://www.erinthorp.ca/]  * Inside Out Empathy Free Chapter: https://www.insideoutempathy.com/free-chapter/ [https://www.insideoutempathy.com/free-chapter/] * Sign up for “The E in the Room” Newsletter: https://www.erinthorp.ca/newsletter/ [https://www.erinthorp.ca/newsletter/] This show was produced by ELF Solutions Inc [https://www.erinthorp.ca].

Just Show Up: Building Compassionate Communities with Yvonne Heath

In this episode, Erin chats with Yvonne as she shares her insights on leadership, empathy, and the importance of addressing grief and addiction within our communities. Drawing from her experiences as a nurse and a mother, she emphasizes the need for proactive conversations about grief and the role of empathy in supporting those facing challenges. Yvonne advocates for creating compassionate communities that allow individuals to recover openly and encourages listeners to embrace discomfort as part of the learning process. Today on Tactical Empathy: * We are all leaders in our own lives. * Nobody can make us happy; we must take responsibility for our own happiness. * Empathy is a skill that needs to be practiced. * It's okay to be a hot mess; just show up for others. * Your 10 is your 10; everyone experiences grief differently. * It's better to say something than nothing when supporting others. * Compassionate communities are essential for recovery. * Life is uncomfortable; we need to get used to it. * You can start making a difference now, no matter your past. * Just show up and see how it feels to support others. Connect with Yvonne: * Website: https://yvonneheath.com/ [https://yvonneheath.com/] Connect with Erin: * Instagram: @elthorp [https://www.instagram.com/elthorp/]  * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-thorp-speaker/ * Website: www.erinthorp.ca [https://www.erinthorp.ca/]  * Inside Out Empathy Free Chapter: https://www.insideoutempathy.com/free-chapter/ [https://www.insideoutempathy.com/free-chapter/] * Sign up for “The E in the Room” Newsletter: https://www.erinthorp.ca/newsletter/ [https://www.erinthorp.ca/newsletter/] This show was produced by ELF Solutions Inc [https://www.erinthorp.ca].