Skip to Main Content
HBS Home
  • About
  • Academic Programs
  • Alumni
  • Faculty & Research
  • Baker Library
  • Giving
  • Harvard Business Review
  • Initiatives
  • News
  • Recruit
  • Map / Directions
Faculty & Research
  • Faculty
  • Research
  • Featured Topics
  • Academic Units
  • …→
  • Harvard Business School→
  • Faculty & Research→
Publications
Publications
  • 2021
  • Chapter
  • Social Scientists Confronting Global Crises

Leadership in Times of Upheaval: The Rise of the Empathic Leader

By: Amy C. Edmondson and Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic
  • Format:Print
ShareBar

Abstract

In times of upheaval, such as in a crisis, leaders often feel compelled to embody a commanding, confident style of leadership that provides answers, eschews dissent and remains aloof. Similarly, followers may be drawn to leaders who provide ready answers, with confidence and certainty. We argue, however, that the kind of leadership needed to navigate novel, challenging, uncertain contexts contrasts dramatically with these instinctive responses. We draw from our observations of the COVID-19 crisis to explain a growing appreciation for empathic leaders who demonstrate a capacity to connect emotionally with followers, helping them cope with new, challenging, fast-changing situations.

Keywords

Economics; Finance; Environment; Sustainability; Crisis Management; Leadership Style

Citation

Edmondson, Amy C., and Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic. "Leadership in Times of Upheaval: The Rise of the Empathic Leader." In Social Scientists Confronting Global Crises, edited by Jean M. Bartunek. Abingdon, UK: Routledge, 2021.
  • Register to Read

About The Author

Amy C. Edmondson

Technology and Operations Management
→More Publications

More from the Authors

    • May 2025 (Revised May 2025)
    • Faculty Research

    Daiichi Sankyo: Steering a Global Organization

    By: Tiona Zuzul, Amy C. Edmondson and Cat Huang
    • May 2025
    • Faculty Research

    Responsive Working at PepsiCo UK (B)

    By: Amy C. Edmondson and Nancy Boghossian Staples
    • May 2025
    • Faculty Research

    Responsive Working at PepsiCo UK (C)

    By: Amy C. Edmondson and Nancy Boghossian Staples
More from the Authors
  • Daiichi Sankyo: Steering a Global Organization By: Tiona Zuzul, Amy C. Edmondson and Cat Huang
  • Responsive Working at PepsiCo UK (B) By: Amy C. Edmondson and Nancy Boghossian Staples
  • Responsive Working at PepsiCo UK (C) By: Amy C. Edmondson and Nancy Boghossian Staples
ǁ
Campus Map
Harvard Business School
Soldiers Field
Boston, MA 02163
→Map & Directions
→More Contact Information
  • Make a Gift
  • Site Map
  • Jobs
  • Harvard University
  • Trademarks
  • Policies
  • Accessibility
  • Digital Accessibility
Copyright © President & Fellows of Harvard College.