Empathic leaders drive change faster

Fred Kiel, author of the bestselling book "The Character-Based Leader," believes that a key component to successful change in business is the existence of empathic leaders. According to Kiel, these leaders exhibit four defining qualities: integrity, compassion, forgiveness, and responsibility. They tell the truth, keep their promises, stand up for what's right, and have a certain humility about them. When other people make mistakes, they are curious rather than blaming and shaming.

Empathetic leaders are essential for driving successful change in an organization because they create an environment of trust and respect. Employees are more likely to be open and honest when they feel that their leader cares about them as individuals. They will also be more likely to take ownership of their mistakes and work to correct them when they know that their leader is forgiving and responsible.

Leaders who lack empathy can often cause division within an organization. Employees may start to distrust one another or compete with one another in order to curry favor with the leader. This can lead to a toxic work environment and ultimately undermine the success of the organization.

Empathetic leaders create an inclusive environment where employees feel safe taking risks and sharing new ideas. They are able to connect with people on a personal level and build relationships of trust. This creates a culture of collaboration and innovation, which is essential for driving successful change.