Big Business Insights: Leadership: How to balance authority and empathy

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Leadership and psychological safety in the workplace have garnered much attention in recent years. Workplaces are shifting and the way that people engage at work and the expectations they have are changing, too. There is a call for healthier leadership and for leaders who foster psychological safety.  

In this episode of the Old Mutual Corporate Big Business Insights podcast, host Blessing Utete, Managing Executive at Old Mutual Corporate Consultants, leads a discussion focussed on leadership’s role in fostering a psychologically safe workplace and addressing workplace bullying. Dr Ngao Motsei, an independent leadership consultant, outlines the legal framework and importance of psychological safety, while Thelma Janse van Rensburg, an empathic leader in high-growth tech, shares insights into authentic leadership and its impact on employee engagement. The conversation highlights the need for respectful treatment of employees, the complexities of workplace bullying, and the benefits of a psychologically safe environment for productivity and talent retention. 

Old Mutual’s employee benefits offerings are designed to optimise financial outcomes by ensuring employees are not just financially stable, but also physically thriving and emotionally balanced.  

Help yours manage their financial and physical health with an innovative suite of employee benefits solutions from Old Mutual.  

Visit: https://www.oldmutual.co.za/corporate/employers/ 

Resources used in this episode:  

BBC Are You Being Bullied At Work? YouTube Clip Tyler Waye Motivational Teamwork YouTube Clip  EAPASA-SA The State of Mental Health in South Africa   https://mentalstateoftheworld.report/  Building Psychologically Safe Spaces by Ngao Motsei Dr Ngao Motsei How to protect and support staff wellbeing 
4 Feb 2025 English South Africa Business

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