EI Edge: The 7 Habits of Empathetic Leaders
Some of the best leaders I know don’t have impressive titles or corner offices. They lead quietly, consistently—by example.
I think of one leader in particular. More introvert than extrovert. Not the loudest voice in the room, but the most heard. She doesn’t command attention; she earns it through a deep, steady sense of empathy. She’s infused her team with a calm, confident presence—not by proclamation, but through personal leadership.
She embodies what I call the 7 Habits of Empathetic Leaders:
Here’s the good news: even a 10% increase in self-awareness can boost your empathy by 50%. And more empathy means stronger relationships, greater loyalty, and deeper commitment. That’s not just good leadership—it’s a remarkable ROI.
To turn these habits into daily practice, I teach leaders to climb the Empathy Ladder—a direct, rung-by-rung application of the 7 Habits.
Climbing this ladder is how empathy transforms from a concept into your leadership currency.
Let’s be clear: displaying empathy isn’t just a “soft skill.” It’s a hard-edge leadership competency—one the best leaders work on daily. It’s the edge that turns managers into mentors and teams into families.
So, here’s my question for you:
Which rung of the Empathy Ladder will you step onto this week?
And if this resonated with you—if you thought of a leader who lives this out, or a team that needs it—pass this along. Share it with someone who leads with heart, or who’s ready to. Because empathy grows when we spread it.
Let’s lead well. Together.
— Steve
As a master storyteller, Steve has unparalleled ability to communicate dynamic business and leadership truths through stories, anecdotes and humor. Harness the power of the “number one” predictor of professional success, impact, leadership, high performance and sustainable relationships in business and life. Steve’s highest rated keynote presentation.
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“The purpose of Leadership Quest is to help professionals develop their personal leadership, vision and emotional intelligence. Everyday I strive to help leaders and teams achieve their desired goals in sales productivity, leadership, time maximization, and life-balance. ”
About the Author
Steve Gutzler is the President of Leadership Quest, a premier leadership development company based in Scottsdale. As a dynamic and highly sought-after speaker, Steve has delivered over 2,500 impactful presentations to renowned organizations such as Microsoft, Starbucks, the Seattle Seahawks, Spotify, Boeing, Cisco, Starwood Hotels, Ritz-Carlton, and the U.S. Department of Commerce.
A published author and thought leader on leadership and emotional intelligence, Steve lives near Scottsdale with his wife, Julie. Together, they cherish time spent with their three adult children and six grandchildren.
