Empathy and curiosity are two traits a lousy leader can’t comprehend. They are the same traits a great leader calls upon instinctively.
Empathy is about warmth first, even without fully understanding the predicament. It is grace and compassion when hearing of someone else’s turmoil. It’s not a rush to problem-solve. Judgements are deferred. It’s pure heart and connection, if only for a moment. It costs the leader nothing and supplies those in pain a moment of ease.
Curiosity is the driving force of improvement. Ever increasing one’s knowledge and then the knowledge of others, is a trait of a good leader. They seek to understand. It can be book smart, street smart, or a combination of the two. They investigate and seek answers to problems. They don’t claim superior intellect, and they are always open to a better way. They are humble enough to not know something and confident enough to admit it, because they will always seek better solutions.
Be choosy with your leaders. One who lacks empathy and curiosity is not worthy of your following.
Also published on Medium.