“A lack of empathy can lead to avoidance, where bad behaviors can flourish, and snap decisions, which may be cruel and ineffective. This is because, without empathy, it can be difficult to diagnose problems, give effective feedback, or recognize the need for a strong commitment to group values.”
I’m often asked if empathy is at odds with strong leadership. In my experience, the opposite is true. Strong and effective leadership depends on empathy. Read more in my latest Empathy at Work column for PsychCentral, here: https://psychcentral.com/health/the-key-to-being-a-strong-and-decisive-leader-empathy.