Lead On from the Heart

By title and organizational flow, I am a leader. With that realization, I often turn my inclination for introspection to my leadership, to me as a leader. What I continue to find is that I am not where I would like to be. I want to, can, and will grow as a leader. And to do so, I have a lot to learn, skills to develop, and ways of being to nurture and share.

What’s most important? According to leadership expert Mike Erwin, “Leadership is a relationship.” 

Erwin teaches that good leadership involves understanding and meeting the needs of others, fostering a sense of belonging and purpose, and empowering individuals to reach their full potential. To do so, effective leadership goes beyond mere authority and control, focusing instead on building meaningful relationships built on respect, communication, trust, and empathy. As empathetic scholars, leadership as a relationship aligns with, and perfectly informs our mission.

Eleanor Roosevelt said, “To handle yourself, use your head; to handle others, use your heart.” That, for me, is sage advice to recognize, value, and emphasize relationships.

In some areas of your life, you are surely a leader. Answer Roosevelt and Erwin’s call. Be an empathetic leader. Build and care for your relationships and lead on from the heart.

Craig Keaton, PhD, LMSW

Burnett School of Medicine at TCU Director of Wellbeing