The Power of Empathy: Lessons from To Kill a Mockingbird for Leadership and Success

One of my favorite books as a child was To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. There’s a scene that has stayed with me for nearly 40 years — where Atticus Finch teaches his young daughter, Scout, an invaluable lesson about empathy and understanding others.

“If you can learn a simple trick, Scout, you’ll get along a lot better with all kinds of folks. You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view… Until you climb inside of his skin and walk around in it.”

This quote came to mind today while I was preparing someone for an interview she has later this week — something I’ve been doing as a recruiter for the past 30 years. She asked me what questions the interviewer might ask her. That’s when it struck me: this passage is the perfect metaphor for the role empathy plays in ensuring success in various situations, including interviews.

My advice to her was simple: “Put yourself in the shoes of the person interviewing you.” In this case, it’s the CEO.

“If you were in her position, what would you need to hear from a candidate to feel confident in their ability to meet your expectations? What challenges might she be facing, and how could you address them?”

Empathy is crucial, not only in interviews but in life. Every guest on my Extrology podcast has, at some point, put themselves in someone else’s shoes to understand how they could provide a solution to a problem. Some have even stepped outside their own perspective to see themselves as others do, which helped them navigate difficult situations with greater insight.

Empathy is more than just understanding someone’s feelings — it’s about deeply connecting with their perspective. While some people are naturally more empathetic, empathy is a skill that can be honed with practice. By actively listening, taking on different perspectives (as Atticus Finch so wisely advises), and keeping an open mind, you can strengthen your empathy. Cultivating emotional awareness and practicing compassion in your daily interactions are also key components in making empathy a natural part of your life.

In today’s increasingly polarized world, I sometimes wonder if empathy is becoming a lost art. Or am I just caught in my own echo chamber?

Though it may feel like empathy is in short supply, the stories shared by my Extrology guests remind us that it’s still very much alive — and essential. So, thank you, Harper Lee, for leaving an indelible mark on my mind with that beautiful perspective. It’s an outlook we can apply to almost every situation in life.

Empathy isn’t just a tool for successful interviews; it’s a core skill that can transform how we engage with others in all areas of life. Whether you’re in a leadership role, part of a team, or simply interacting with people in your daily life, remember the lesson from To Kill a Mockingbird: understanding others begins with stepping into their shoes. By practicing empathy, you improve communication, strengthen relationships, and contribute to a more compassionate and connected world.

I encourage you to take this to heart and actively incorporate empathy into your daily routine. Listen more closely, approach situations with an open mind, and strive to see things from the perspectives of those around you. Small, intentional acts of empathy can have a profound impact — both on your professional journey and your personal life.

If you’re looking for more insights into career growth and meaningful connections, be sure to check out the latest episodes of the Extrology podcast. In each episode, we explore the experiences of professionals who have used empathy and other essential skills to achieve success and make a difference in their fields.