Numerous studies and research papers recently have come to the same conclusion that sympathy may be the most important leadership skill especially since the beginning of the pandemic. Empathy had long been confused with sympathy and underappreciated as a critical skill. But new research from Catalyst demonstrates that empathy has numerous positive effects such as increasing innovation, retention, engagement, inclusivity, and work-life balance. There are two ways leaders can exercise their empathy muscles. One method is to consider what the other person is thinking (“If I were in his/her position, what would I be thinking right now?”). The other method for empathizing is to consider what the other person is feeling (“If I were in his/her position, what would I be feeling right now?”). Just considering the other person is thinking or feeling is not enough for leaders. To be fully empathic as a leader, leaders must also be willing to share their own thoughts/feelings, ask questions about the other person’s challenges and actively listen to the person’s responses. Often, just listening is all that other people need from leaders when they’re struggling at work.
“Empathy May Be The Most Important Leadership Skill”
