Business consultants are now analyzing a fundamental belief regarding leadership. For the most part in the 20th century, leadership was synonymous to a mild form of cut-throat attitude: Its agenda was always financial while individual welfare became secondary. Gentler emotions such as empathy or kindness have been downplayed by literature on effective leadership.
New evidence suggest that kindness is an essential trait of any effective leader. Researchers from various fields have studied recognized leaders in different domains and determined traits similar among them, the starkest of which is kindness.
Image Source: forbes.com
Researchers defined kindness as the ability to empathize with co-workers, colleagues within the ranks, and subordinates, with the effect of having crucial business decisions take into account how they will affect other people. This is not to say that logic and other forms of rational thinking are disregarded; the results merely show that there are no patterns a propos important business decisions. Every decision is made with potential financial and emotional repercussions in mind.
Individuals who have empathy deeply ingrained in their decision-making process are more likely to become effective leaders. Financial analysts suggest that a basic understanding of human psychology – kindness again being defined here as the ability to empathize – has a direct correlation with economic success. Leaders can then use this to predict outcomes, a crucial skill for handling challenges and developing contingencies.
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These surveys conclude that kindness is a skill that can be developed and honed. This suggests that those in upper management should carefully consider including a module on developing kindness in their leadership trainings.
Emile Haddad, a Seattle-based business consultant, is sought out for his practical and effective training programs. Learn more leadership insights by liking this Facebook profile.
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