I have been so heartened by hearing President Obama talk about looking for empathy as one attribute when choosing a Supreme Court Judge–one of our leaders of the United States. In fact, I have heard the word coming up so frequently in many discussions and presentations. I do not remember hearing such an emphasis on empathy. Perhaps it was a “given” that we would look for leaders who had empathy, but to hear it is amazing to me.
When reflecting on the various leaders with whom I have worked I would say that without exception, empathy was one of the important attributes of each of the leaders. I know I have had some nay-sayers say that a leader needs to be strong, not too sensitive. “You cannot always “tune in” to the needs of others,” is a comment I have heard frequently. Conversely, I would say that the leaders with whom I felt valued and respected were empathic—and did not apologize for being so.
February 23rd, 2010 at 7:02 am
Unfortunately Obama is not unlike many leaders that have learned to use these new EQ buzzwords. The proof will be in his policies. So far his words usually contradict his actions.
February 24th, 2010 at 5:38 am
Hello Shawn,
I appreciate you taking time to respond. My feeling is that President Obama’s work is so demanding and what we see in the media is only part of the story. I feel that we do not know all that he must weigh in his decisions. We all have our own perceptions of how his words and his actions are working together. I am an optimist that his interest in empathy will be seen in all policy-making.Thanks again, Shawn.