Empathy: A Primer

by Richard E. Boyatzis, Richard J. Davidson, Vanessa Druskat

Empathy forms the basis of social awareness and relationship management. It helps leaders relate to others, make more informed decisions, and develop better rapport with colleagues. A quick read for anyone wanting to improve their own or their team’s leadership skills, this Primer features thought leaders who are championing research in this field: Daniel Goleman, Richard Boyatzis, Richard J. Davidson, Vanessa Druskat, and George Kohlrieser. Having empathy means sensing the emotions – and understanding the perspective – of others. Empathic leaders are able to relate to many different types of people, listen attentively, and communicate effectively. In Empathy: A Primer, Daniel Goleman and colleagues introduce the Empathy Competency, describe why it is important for quality leadership, and give some practical insights for developing this learnable skill. This is the sixth in a series of Primers that explores each of the 12 Emotional and Social Intelligence Leadership Competencies. Each includes an overview of the Competency Model. Daniel Goleman, Richard Boyatzis, Richard J. Davidson, Vanessa Druskat, and George Kohlrieser explain what it takes to develop empathy from the perspectives of research, psychology, neuroscience, team dynamics, and leadership development. Here’s what is included: Overview of the Emotional and Social Intelligence Leadership Competency Model Introduction to Empathy The Brain Science Behind Empathy Teams and Empathy Empathy in Action How to Develop Empathy Bonding for Effective Leadership Whether you are an individual looking to elevate your personal performance, a consultant or coach in need of research-based resources, or a head of leadership development in your organization seeking a brief, yet informative, resource to share with your team, this Primer is for you.

52 pages, Staple Bound

Published January 1, 2017

About the author

Richard E. Boyatzis is a professor in the organizational behavior, psychology, and cognitive science departments of Case Western Reserve University and in the human resources department of ESADE. Using his Intentional Change Theory (ICT) and complexity theory, he continues to research sustained, desired change at all levels of human endeavor: individuals, teams, organizations, communities, countries, and global change.

Boyatzis has authored or coauthored more than 125 articles on leadership, competencies, emotional intelligence, competency development, coaching, and management education. His books include Becoming a Resonant Leader (Harvard Business Review Press, 2008), coauthored with Annie McKee and Fran Johnston; Resonant Leadership (Harvard Business Review Press, 2005), with Annie McKee; Primal Leadership (Harvard Business Review Press 2002), with Daniel Goleman and Annie McKee; and The Competent Manager (Wiley, 1982).

Boyatzis has a BS in aeronautics and astronautics from MIT and an MS and a doctorate in social psychology from Harvard University.

Source: Harvard Business School Publishing