Be the Present Empathetic Leader of Tomorrow With Psychedelics

Showing empathy is increasingly important for leaders. Science suggests that psychedelics could help.

Improvement. We all seek it.

As leaders, whether that's as the CEO of a multi multi-million dollar company, a middle manager, or just a regular Joe, we all want to be better.

Today’s leader not only has to be strong, visible and decisive, they increasingly need to be empathetic.

But what does being empathetic actually mean?

Empathy is commonly defined as “the ability to share someone else’s feelings or experiences by imagining what it would be like to be in that person’s situation.”

Immediately upon reading the definition of empathy, I think of psychedelics.

Users of psychedelics often report experiencing enhanced feelings of trust, openness, understanding, and closeness to others. All traits which enable us to better see another’s point of view.

Psychedelic experiences have been directly linked to increases in emotional empathy. This is due to the release of chemicals, such as endorphins, which weaken the brain’s default mode network (DMN) responsible for our sense of ego or self. Once we have let go of our ego, it becomes easier to put yourself in someone else's shoes.

I recently decided to revisit psychedelics myself, taking the opportunity to contribute to valuable scientific research at the same time. Post-experience my thoughts seemed clearer. I felt more creative — suddenly I was able to come up with better ideas.

It was as if my brain fog had lifted. It felt easier to see my employees' point of view and understanding others felt less of an effort.

Whilst my experience was anecdotal and likely subject to an extent to the placebo effect, the subtle changes in my personality were noticeable not only to myself but my partner and colleagues.

It really did feel like my levels of empathy had increased.

Why is empathy so important for leaders?

So-called pro-social behaviours promoted by empathetic leadership can improve workplace satisfaction and morale. This doesn’t mean there can’t be disagreements or differences in opinion but can help leaders to see with clarity another’s perspective.

How can you be expected to lead a team if you cannot understand them?

Being empathetic can make you a better listener, more attentive to the ideas of others. This enables you to better question assumptions and improves communication.

Empathy in leaders has been shown to increase measures of job satisfaction in employees such as emotional intelligence and self-esteem. Empathy is also positively correlated with job performance.

Empathy teaches presence, not just half-listening to someone at the meeting table, but actually listening to what they say.

This can sometimes be easier said than done.

Demonstrating empathy can be tough, particularly if it doesn't come naturally. Its energy-intensive. Energy that many leaders simply feel is better focussed elsewhere.

Today’s workplace is a much more diverse compared to twenty years ago. This brings fresh challenges to leadership.

Humans naturally more easily empathise with those who look the same or are from the same background as themselves. Modern workplaces with wide-ranging personalities and people of different age, race, sexuality, nationality, and location, can actually make things harder.

Lack of empathy in leaders can certainly lead to reputational and possible financial damage. Just look at the failure of numerous sports franchise owners during the current Coronavirus pandemic, failing to cover the wages of their staff.

How then do leaders become more empathetic?

Fortunately, empathy can be learned and increased with mindfulness training. This is good news for those who meditate.

Meditation has increased in popularity over the last ten years with apps such as Headspace and Calm providing access to the willing leader. It does still require a quiet space and the time and discipline to meditate frequently.

So what about psychedelics?

Could use of psychedelics, either through one-time experiences or microdosing — taking small amounts of psychedelics regularly, make you a more empathetic leader?

Well, the simple answer is yes they can.

Knowledge of the potential therapeutic value of psychedelics is becoming much more widespread. Purported benefits include their potential in treating migraines, inflammation, anxiety, and depression. There are also ongoing studies looking at use cases such as the treatment of PTSD, depression, end-of-life anxiety and addiction.

One of the most reported effects of a psychedelic experience, which is consistent irrespective of the specific psychedelic used, is an increase in empathy. Users of psychedelics post-trip often report experiences that brought them closer to nature. To realise that everything in the world really is connected.

There is scientific evidence to support this.

One study in 2018 found that psilocybin, the active ingredient in magic mushrooms, not only increases empathy and creativity after a trip but also that the effects can last for up to seven days. Another found that LSD specifically increased empathy.

Whilst it is likely psychedelic experiences could be beneficial for leaders they remain illegal in the majority of the world.

There is an ongoing battle against the war on drugs, led by the relaxing of prohibitive cannabis laws and regulation. Psychedelics may not be far behind. Oregan, for example, is currently pushing to legalise mushrooms for therapeutic use.

During the current Coronavirus pandemic, there have even been calls for temporary approval of psychedelics to treat COVID-19 related trauma.

In the meantime, if access proves too risky or restrictive, leaders must rely on increasing empathy through other means.

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