You can’t lead without empathy. Think about the worst bosses you’ve ever had. Chances are they were egotistical, terrible at listening and deeply insecure.
They likely never exhibited compassion for others and were completely self-absorbed. Consequently, they made you miserable and worse at your job.
Ernest Hemingway once stated:
When people talk, listen completely. Most people never listen.
Great leaders are great listeners. They listen with empathy, sincerely attempting to put themselves in the other person’s shoes.
Concurrently, they build trust, alleviate discontentment and help catalyze solutions to various problems and grievances.
John Haltiwanger
