Harley Shows Empathy: A Quiet Leadership Story about Helping Others Be Seen.

Jun 10

2 min read

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Everyday kindness can be workplace culture in action.

I created the Harley Shows… Series to do something a little different: to remind us, through simple and heartfelt stories, that the culture we build at work starts with how we treat one another. Every action we take has a ripple effect. Whether we’re leading a team, supporting a colleague, or simply noticing when someone is struggling, our small, intentional choices matter. They shape the relationships around us and define what I call our cultural microsphere. That's the immediate part of the culture that we influence through our behavior, tone, and care.

Each story is designed to show that leadership doesn’t always need a spotlight. Sometimes, it looks like encouragement. Other times, like empathy.

In Story Two: Harley Shows Empathy

We meet Jared, a student who has withdrawn from the things he used to love, like science class and an upcoming science fair project, after his best friend moves away.

Harley notices the change and doesn’t ignore it. Instead, he responds with quiet acts of kindness and does so with without pressure and all without fanfare.

Through these small gestures, Harley shows us that empathy is not about fixing someone’s situation. It’s about being present. Curious. Patient. And kind.

As Jared slowly re-engages with what he loves, the story reminds us that the path back is often paved by those who choose to walk beside us.

Workplace culture isn’t built in company town halls. It’s built in 1:1 meetings, Slack threads, hallway conversations, and moments when someone decides to say: “I see you. You matter.”

That’s the true purpose of the Harley Shows… Series:

To tell stories that reflect the power of micro-actions.

To celebrate quiet leadership.

To inspire human connection, where ever it is needed be it in the classroom, the office, and everywhere in between.

Because each of us has the capacity to encourage, include, empathize, and lead.

Read Story Two here: Harley Shows Empathy

Thanks for reading! I hope you’ll follow along as Harley’s world continues to grow, one small act of leadership at a time.

Illustrations provided by ChatGPT.

Posted: 10 June 2025