Tactical Empathy

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 
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-thorp-speaker/
• Website: www.erinthorp.ca 
• Inside Out Empathy Free Chapter: https://www.insideoutempathy.com/free-chapter/
• Sign up for “The E in the Room” Newsletter: https://www.erinthorp.ca/newsletter/

This show was produced by ELF Solutions Inc. 

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 
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-thorp-speaker/
• Website: www.erinthorp.ca 
• Inside Out Empathy Free Chapter: https://www.insideoutempathy.com/free-chapter/
• Sign up for “The E in the Room” Newsletter: https://www.erinthorp.ca/newsletter/

This show was produced by ELF Solutions Inc.

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/

Connect with Erin:

• Instagram: @elthorp 
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-thorp-speaker/
• Website: www.erinthorp.ca 
• Inside Out Empathy Free Chapter: https://www.insideoutempathy.com/free-chapter/
• Sign up for “The E in the Room” Newsletter: https://www.erinthorp.ca/newsletter/

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 
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-thorp-speaker/
• Website: www.erinthorp.ca 
• Inside Out Empathy Free Chapter: https://www.insideoutempathy.com/free-chapter/
• Sign up for “The E in the Room” Newsletter: https://www.erinthorp.ca/newsletter/

This show was produced by ELF Solutions Inc.

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/

Connect with Erin:

• Instagram: @elthorp 
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-thorp-speaker/
• Website: www.erinthorp.ca 
• Inside Out Empathy Free Chapter: https://www.insideoutempathy.com/free-chapter/
• Sign up for “The E in the Room” Newsletter: https://www.erinthorp.ca/newsletter/

This show was produced by ELF Solutions Inc.

In the final episode of this 4-part series - Erin explores the importance of rest in restoring capacity and preventing burnout. She shares personal experiences, insights from the book 'Sacred Rest,' and practical strategies for integrating various types of rest into daily life to enhance empathy, resilience, and overall well-being.

Today on Tactical Empathy:

• Rest is essential infrastructure for a sustainable life.
• True rest involves more than sleep; it includes mental, sensory, emotional, social, and spiritual rest.
• Building capacity for rest requires practice and patience.
• Rest helps regulate the nervous system and reduces burnout.
• Recognizing and honoring your capacity is key to avoiding overwhelm.

Connect with Erin:

• Instagram: @elthorp 
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-thorp-speaker/
• Website: www.erinthorp.ca 
• Inside Out Empathy Free Chapter: https://www.insideoutempathy.com/free-chapter/
• Sign up for “The E in the Room” Newsletter: https://www.erinthorp.ca/newsletter/

This show was produced by ELF Solutions Inc.

In this conversation, Erin chats with Jason as he shares his leadership journey, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness, empathy, and vulnerability in effective leadership. He reflects on transformative moments in his life that shaped his understanding of leadership and the necessity of emotional intelligence in navigating corporate environments, especially during restructuring. The discussion highlights practical strategies for building empathy and connection within teams, underscoring the significance of intentionality in leadership practices.

Today on Tactical Empathy:

• Leadership begins with self-awareness and personal growth.
• Transformative experiences can redefine one's leadership style.
• Empathy is essential for building trust in teams.
• Vulnerability fosters deeper connections among team members.
• Corporate restructuring requires emotional intelligence from leaders.
• Regular one-on-ones are crucial for team trust and connection.
• Creating space for emotions is vital during organizational changes.
• Self-care practices enhance a leader's ability to empathize.
• Empathy is a skill that can be developed over time.
• Intentionality in leadership practices leads to more effective teams.

Connect with Jason:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-donkersgoed/

Connect with Erin:

• Instagram: @elthorp 
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-thorp-speaker/
• Website: www.erinthorp.ca 
• Inside Out Empathy Free Chapter: https://www.insideoutempathy.com/free-chapter/
• Sign up for “The E in the Room” Newsletter: https://www.erinthorp.ca/newsletter/

This show was produced by ELF Solutions Inc. 

In part 3 of this 4-part series, Erin discusses the significance of creative expression as a means to reclaim empathy and restore personal capacity. She emphasizes that creative expression is not about artistic talent or production but rather about engaging in activities that bring joy and presence. Through various examples, Erin illustrates how creative practices can help individuals reconnect with themselves, reduce stress, and foster a sense of safety and well-being. The conversation also highlights the importance of allowing oneself to create without the pressure of performance or outcome, ultimately leading to a more fulfilling and empathetic life.

Today on Tactical Empathy:

• Creative expression is not about being artistic.
• It allows us to express emotions and complete the stress cycle.
• Engaging in creative activities can signal safety to our bodies.
• Creative expression helps reduce anxiety and overwhelm.
• It's important to differentiate between necessity and creativity.
• Creative activities can be restorative and deeply restful.
• We should allow ourselves to create without the pressure of production.
• Creative expression can help us reconnect with ourselves.
• Engaging in creativity can enhance empathy for ourselves and others.
• It's essential to practice creative expression regularly for personal growth.

Connect with Erin:

• Instagram: @elthorp 
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-thorp-speaker/
• Website: www.erinthorp.ca 
• Inside Out Empathy Free Chapter: https://www.insideoutempathy.com/free-chapter/
• Sign up for “The E in the Room” Newsletter: https://www.erinthorp.ca/newsletter/

This show was produced by ELF Solutions Inc.

In this conversation, Erin and Jordan Dellinger explore the complexities of empathy, particularly in leadership roles. Jordan shares his journey of writing his book, 'Congratulations, You Feel Everything,' which aims to help empaths navigate their emotions sustainably. They discuss the challenges leaders face in practicing empathy, the importance of self-awareness, and the personal experiences that shaped their understanding of emotional intelligence. The conversation emphasizes the need for empathy in professional settings and offers practical tools for developing this essential skill.

Today on Tactical Empathy:

• Empathy is the ability to understand and feel what someone is experiencing without losing yourself.
• Leadership often prioritizes control and efficiency over emotional connection.
• Self-awareness is crucial for practicing empathy effectively.
• Empaths can feel overwhelmed by their emotions if not managed properly.
• Writing can be a therapeutic tool for processing emotions.
• Creating a toolkit for empaths can help manage emotional burdens.
• It's important to communicate openly about one's emotional state.
• Empathy can be developed and strengthened over time.
• Caring deeply for others should not come at the expense of self-care.
• Leaders can benefit from learning how to integrate empathy into their leadership style.

Connect with Jordan:

• Website: https://jordanfeelseverything.com/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordandellinger/

Connect with Erin:

• Instagram: @elthorp 
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-thorp-speaker/
• Website: www.erinthorp.ca 
• Inside Out Empathy Free Chapter: https://www.insideoutempathy.com/free-chapter/
• Sign up for “The E in the Room” Newsletter: https://www.erinthorp.ca/newsletter/

This show was produced by ELF Solutions Inc.

Apple Summary:

In part 2 of this 4-part series, Erin discusses the importance of emotional expression in the healing process from burnout. She emphasizes that burnout is not just a result of a busy schedule but also stems from unexpressed emotions. The conversation explores how acknowledging and expressing emotions can help close the stress cycle, leading to a restoration of capacity and empathy. Erin shares practical strategies for emotional expression and highlights the significance of recognizing feelings like resentment as signals for self-care.

Today on Tactical Empathy:

• Burnout is a result of both physical and emotional exhaustion.
• Emotional expression is crucial for healing from burnout.
• Unexpressed emotions can lead to feelings of numbness and irritability.
• Journaling and talking to trusted friends can aid emotional expression.
• Resentment can signal a need for self-care and prioritization.
• Emotions should be acknowledged without judgment or suppression.
• Curiosity about our emotions can lead to better understanding and action.
• Expressing emotions helps close the stress cycle in our bodies.
• It's important to take responsibility for our emotional health.
• Practicing tactical empathy can enhance our relationships and self-awareness.

Connect with Erin:

• Instagram: @elthorp 
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-thorp-speaker/
• Website: www.erinthorp.ca 
• Inside Out Empathy Free Chapter: https://www.insideoutempathy.com/free-chapter/
• Sign up for “The E in the Room” Newsletter: https://www.erinthorp.ca/newsletter/

This show was produced by ELF Solutions Inc.