In my years coaching executives and teams, I've seen countless leaders frustrated by differing opinions from their members. Recognizing diverse perspectives is fundamental. Empathy—the ability to truly understand others' viewpoints—distinguishes great leaders from good ones. Don't mistake it for sympathy, which merely shares emotions; empathy means grasping where people come from.
Related: 20 Ways to Develop Empathy
Effective leaders harness team diversity by uncovering individual motivations and aligning complementary strengths. Drawing from real-world experience, here are the three core traits of empathetic leaders.
1. They suspend personal biases.
Empathetic leaders know no single solution fits all. They prioritize understanding over being right, listening actively with eyes, ears, intuition, and heart. Ego can interfere, but writing down multiple perspectives helps maintain openness and reminds us our view isn't always superior.
2. They genuinely invest in their people.
Leadership isn't autocratic—your team adds irreplaceable value. Build loyalty through meaningful actions: monthly team-building, personalized notes, or inquiries into their lives and aspirations. Offer growth programs; when you invest in them, they commit fully to your vision.
3. They embrace lifelong learning.
No one has all the answers. Empathetic leaders challenge their assumptions, adapting to a changing world.
Related: Why the empathetic leader is the best leader
This article originally appeared in the March 2018 issue of SUCCESS magazine.
