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.