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The Hardest Soft Skill: Empathy

By Sara Mosqueda

1 November 2023

Focus on Soft Skills

Satya Nadella, CEO for Microsoft, called empathy “the hardest skill we learn,” which is actually a good thing. Why? Empathy can be a tricky concept for some people to understand, and it is often conflated with compassion or emotion. But it is actually the ability to imagine and understand another person’s thoughts, perspective, or emotions. And to Nadella’s point, this soft skill can be honed.

So, if you’re an aspiring leader, here’s what you should know about empathy.

More Resources

2021 Catalyst study, The Power of Empathy in Times of Crisis and Beyond
The Center for Creative Leadership
Gallup webcast series: CliftonStrengths Empathy Theme: Teams and Managers

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