Leadership is more than just guiding people through tasks and goals—it’s about creating an environment where potential is unlocked, and everyone feels seen and supported. In Make Possibilities Happen, Grace Hawthorne lays out crucial insights about transforming ideas to reality. I think her ideas can also reshape how we approach leadership, both in our personal and professional lives. Here are my four key takeaways from the book, each deeply connected to leading with empathy.

1. Never Mistake Information for Knowledge It’s easy to gather data and present facts, but knowledge goes deeper than surface-level information. When we lead with empathy, we take the time to understand the why behind the facts and connect them to the real human experience. This involves listening actively and seeking to understand each person’s perspective, ensuring that our decisions reflect not just what we know, but also the context, feelings, and needs of those we lead.
2. Air Navigation’s 1-in-60 Rule: Stay on Course with Your Goal In aviation, the 1-in-60 rule suggests that even a small deviation from the course can lead to big mistakes if not corrected. In leadership, it’s easy to get distracted by minor issues or challenges. However, staying focused on the ultimate goal ensures that we remain on track, and it’s empathy that helps us course-correct with care. When we empathize with the challenges people face, we understand when adjustments need to be made, always with a clear focus on the bigger picture.
3. Avoid Getting Too Lost in Minutiae—Be Both the Torchbearer and the Bellows In our day-to-day work, it’s easy to become bogged down by the small, often inconsequential details. However, Hawthorne warns against losing sight of the “spark”—the inspiration, the vision, the passion that drives us. As leaders, we need to be the ones who not only carry the torch but also fuel it. We balance between being hands-on with details and stepping back to lead with purpose. By practicing empathy, we ensure our teams feel motivated, recognized, and energized to move forward, without getting overwhelmed by the small stuff.
4. Ask the Right Questions and Solve for the Right Thing Leadership is about asking the right questions—especially those that address the heart of the issue, not just the surface problems. Empathy requires us to understand what people truly need and what obstacles stand in their way. By solving for the right thing, we can empower others and foster an environment where growth and collaboration flourish.

When we lead with empathy, we embrace these lessons to not only guide our teams effectively but also to create spaces where individuals can thrive, innovate, and feel valued.