Originally found at Forbes.

Empathy has always been a critical skill for leaders, but it is taking on a new level of meaning and priority. Far from a soft approach it can drive significant business results.

You always knew demonstrating empathy is positive for people, but new research demonstrates its importance for everything from innovation to retention. Great leadership requires a fine mix of all kinds of skills to create the conditions for engagement, happiness and performance, and empathy tops the list of what leaders must get right.

The reason empathy is so necessary is that people are experiencing multiple kinds of stress, and data suggests it is affected by the pandemic—and the ways our lives and our work have been turned upside down.

Continue reading the original article at Forbes.

Read the original research in Academy of Management Journal.

Learn more about the AOM Scholars and explore their work:

• Christine L. Porath, University of Southern California
• Amir Erez, University of Florida