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Empathetic leaders tend to share these nine qualities
Are you one of them?
Some leaders do more than just set deadlines and make decisions. They truly care about their team’s needs and make the office a great place to work. Most of us tend to refer to them as good leaders, great managers, or even empathetic leaders.
They are naturally good at putting themselves in other people’s shoes and making everyone in their team feel seen.
It’s not just about being friendly — it’s about creating a work environment where everyone feels included and motivated, which in the end helps the whole team do better. Here’s what makes empathetic leaders stand out.
1. They are open to dialogue
A manager I worked for years ago believed great ideas and interesting feedback could come at any time, so she scheduled weekly “office hours” dedicated to employees who had questions, suggestions, or new ideas.
I always saw her open door as a symbolic invitation to an ongoing, open conversation.
An empathetic leader is never too busy for a conversation, and their door (or inbox) is always open for others to share thoughts or ideas. This encourages consistent two-way communication and innovation.
2. They never make you feel like you’re disturbing them
Picture a CEO with back-to-back meetings who still greets an unexpected employee with “It’s great to see you! What can I do for you?”
This behavior conveys that your presence is a welcome one, regardless of their busy schedule or your job level.
Empathetic leaders make time for you and ensure you feel your concerns and opinions are heard. Each interaction you have with them feels like a priority, not an interruption.
3. They encourage everyone to voice their opinion and concerns
In meetings, empathetic leaders create a roundtable environment. No idea is dismissed and everyone’s point of view matters.
I remember a manager I used to work with when I started to work at Amazon who during meetings would encourage the quietest people in the…
