07/13/2025

Three Ways Any Leader Can Develop More Empathy

Empathy is not about being nice—it’s about being effective

After the keynote, Sharon found me at the drinks event, wine in hand with a hesitant smile. As a keynote speaker focused on empathy and leadership, I am often approached at the bar for tough conversations.

"I was told by my boss to come to your talk," she began, "because apparently I don't have any empathy."

She said it half as a joke, half as a confession. We both laughed, but I could tell there was something deeper to what she was saying. A mix of defensiveness, concern and curiosity. By her own description, Sharon was a passionate and experienced but hardened leader. As she described her perception in the workplace, I detected resignation in her voice—like she was missing this capacity called empathy, as if it were an innate quality you either possess or not.

Please select this link to read the complete article from Fast Company.