When we bring AWE into our language, we build empathy and connection.

We can connect with others by avoiding platitudes and invalidating phrases.

We can witness others by fully seeing and hearing them without judgment.

There is no single, universally accepted definition of empathy. What we do know is that empathy is some combination of perspective-taking, being non-judgmental, and the ability to recognize and communicate understanding of someone else’s emotions. Research consistently links empathic leadership to trust, psychological safety, engagement, and performance (Edmondson, 2018; Goleman, 1998).

In my work coaching leaders across the globe, I hear leaders struggle with what to say/do to demonstrate empathy. I often have to explain that empathy is not an innate personality trait or a soft add-on—it is a set of skills and a learnable practice. And empathy shows up most clearly in behavior, especially through language.

We can build connection and strengthen shared understanding by tending to our language, both what we say and how we say it, to help translate empathic intent into empathic impact.

Empathy is conveyed not only through actions but through everyday language. Words can strengthen trust or quietly erode it. Paying attention to what I call AWE language is one way we can demonstrate empathy:

Avoiding platitudes and invalidating phrases

Witnessing others by fully seeing and hearing them without judgment

Engaging intentionally with language that builds connection

Most leaders rely on language meant to help. The problem is that it often lands differently than intended. So, let’s look at........

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