How Compassion and Patience Can Better Elevate Your Leadership
In today's fast-paced and ever-changing world, leadership is more important than ever before. The ability to inspire and guide a team towards success takes a unique set of qualities that are essential to building a strong and motivated workforce. Passion, compassion, patience, and service are just a few of the core values that make up a successful leader.
According to a recent study, 70% of employees believe that their work environment would be greatly improved if their managers showed more empathy. In addition, teams with highly effective leaders are 50% more productive and have 32% higher revenue growth.
And that's why I am thrilled to have the opportunity to interview one of the most accomplished and inspiring leaders in the theatre community. Emma Gibson of Stage Right Coaching, not only possesses essential leadership traits, but also goes above and beyond to tailor her coaching to each student’s skill level. Emma’s leadership style has transformed her organization into a thriving community that continuously inspires and motivates students and colleagues alike.
What do you think is your greatest strength as a leader & why?
Passion and Compassion. I love that those two words are connected. I am passionate about the work I make in theatre, in public speaking, in writing and in education. I also care deeply about the people I work with. Students come to me with differing skill levels and backgrounds and I attempt to meet them where they are, whilst also allowing my own passion for the work to energize and inspire them.
What is one characteristic that you believe every leader should embody & why?
Patience. Sometimes we want results immediately and that is not always possible. In theatre education we always stress that the process is what is important, and not the end product. Having patience in the process allows for holistic growth that refutes a quick fix mentality, but instead paves the way for life long learning.
What are the most important decisions you make as a leader of your organization?
The hardest decisions are always the student facing ones. That also makes them the most important. How far to push a student when you believe that they are capable of success. What material to give them to work with that will challenge and help them grow. When to say “you’re not ready”. On a personal level, the hardest decision at the moment is which direction I should allow my company to grow in, especially when the launch has brought so much interest and excitement about what we are offering. Focusing in on what my skills are and how best they can serve the community around me, whilst also finding where the joy is in the work. That seems to be most relevant right now.
Meet Emma: Emma is a professional actor, director, teacher and writer, originally from London, England, but now based in the Main Line area of Philadelphia. For many years she worked as a professional actress in both the UK and US. She was the founding producing artistic director of Tiny Dynamite, a theatre company in Philadelphia. She is also an award-winning playwright. For the last 15 years she has also worked at the Shipley School in Bryn Mawr teaching public speaking and theatre. She is the founder of Stage Right Coaching.
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