This characteristic trait is about listening and showing you care - seek to understand where you can and your relationships will flourish.

In the broadest terms, there are two main forms of empathy. Under Emotional Empathy, our feelings mirror those of someone else. Under Cognitive Empathy, we intellectually understand another person s emotions.

Having this trait, you may notice that people tend to share their problems and concerns with you. Because people with high empathy levels tend to be unguarded with their emotions, it s easy for them to get their feelings hurt.

"Empathy" is the ability to understand another person from their point of view rather than your own -- in other words, to put yourself in their shoes. It’s not quite the same as sympathy, which means you feel concern for someone who’s going through a hard time.

Thus, people with high levels of empathy tend to have strong social, communication, and leadership skills. But empaths sometimes have a hard time setting boundaries between themselves and others.

They should prioritise creating a culture of open, honest communication amongst their team at every level. This means giving and receiving feedback that’s both caring and direct and ensuring that your direct reports do the same with their teams too. By creating an environment where everyone feels safe to speak up and contribute to the discussion, you can drive continuous improvement and innovation.

When your team knows that they can be candid without fear of repercussions, they’re more likely to bring forward the best ideas and the most crucial issues, which is essential for staying ahead in a fast-paced world. Don’t just rely on your senior leadership team, sometimes it’s your entry level staff members who have the sharpest eye for areas of improvement.

It is crucial to focus on the bigger picture and not get bogged down in the details. As a leader you must focus on hiring a brilliant team with diverse expertise who you can trust to deliver. Leaders should also remember that by bringing in people who excel in areas where you might not, you’re not only playing to your strengths but also mitigating your weaknesses. It’s about recognising that you can’t do everything yourself and shouldn’t try to.

Instead of micromanaging, empower your team members to lead in their areas of expertise. This not only frees you up to focus on strategic vision and growth but also creates a culture of trust and innovation that will pave the way for an inclusive and collaborative culture leading to a business that will function successfully with or without you.

Thus, a great leader is someone who brings out the best in everyone around them.