Leadership (Empathy)

One of the characteristics that I feel is very important in a good leader is empathy. Empathy is the ability to understand how another person feels and/or to be able to put yourself in the shoes of others Having a leader that can empathize with his team or staff not only allows the leader to understand what others are experiencing or feeling but makes the rest of the team or individual feel valued and significant.

The person I feel has this quality is in a position of authority as a program coordinator. He has ten staff members as well as numerous students that go to him for problems or issues relating to the program, instructors or students. This individual has the ability to make everything “OK” as he really seems to understand the issues of both staff and students alike. When students leave his office they feel that they were heard and understood and although they do not always get the desired outcome, they leave the office feeling better. Overall, I feel this is an attribute that makes for a good leader.