a story about leadership and empathy

Picture this: I have a talented developer sitting in front of me, once full of enthusiasm, but now completely exhausted and disillusioned. He had already started going to interviews and was seriously considering leaving the company that no longer brought him joy. The diagnosis was obvious – burnout.

At that moment, I realized that this was no ordinary management task. It was not about KPIs or meeting deadlines. It was a question of perhaps saving someone’s career and self-confidence.

The turning point

Instead of perceiving this as a performance issue, I decided to approach the situation differently. I didn’t pressure him or demand immediate results. Instead, I created an environment where he could work freely and without unnecessary stress. I began assigning tasks that matched his current capabilities, gradually increasing their difficulty. Each small victory restored his confidence and motivation.

Breakthrough

After six months, the results were astounding. The same developer who had almost given up became one of the best in our team. His work ethic, energy, and enthusiasm were back. In fact, he thanked me for the support that helped him regain his motivation. At that moment, I wasn’t just managing a team — I was watching a person rebuild his career and his self-confidence.

What I learned

This story taught me something important: leadership is not just about managing projects or achieving goals. It’s about helping people through their toughest moments. It’s about empathy, understanding, and creating a work environment where everyone feels safe and can grow. Ultimately, people are always more important than any metrics or KPIs. When the focus is on the well-being of the team, the results follow naturally.

Real effect

Helping someone go from burnout to breakthrough was my proudest moment, not because of the improved performance, but because it reminded me what true leadership is all about: creating an environment where people can thrive. That’s now the foundation of my approach to management: empathy, patience, and a belief in the power of second chances.

Conclusion

In the end, it’s not our individual achievements that matter, but how we help others reach their potential. People should always come first, more important than any metrics. For me, that will always be the most important part of leadership.

#nomad_pm_notes #notes_pm