Understanding others: empathy as a leadership skill

Empathy helps leaders spot problems early and make decisions people can support. It is about understanding, not agreeing.

You can build it by listening more carefully and by checking your read of someone instead of assuming it.

Three things to try

• Before giving feedback, imagine how it will land from their side.
• In your next meeting, listen to understand rather than to reply.
• Check in with someone who has gone quiet recently.