Management: Can You be Too Empathetic?

Empathy is a good trait to have. It allows us to understand the feelings of others, to predict the responses others might have to situations, and to engage with people on an emotional level. In management and leadership positions, it’s a very valuable trait, as staff respond positively to the feeling that they are understood and cared about. It makes the workplace feel as though it is a secure and comfortable environment when empathetic people are in charge.

We feel good when people understand us, when they “get us”, when they understand enough about us to provide the environment and the work that best suits us.  We feel like we can achieve anything when we are appreciated and understood.

I have worked with people in coaching situations and in Leadership Development Programs who have very low empathy. While these people are good leaders