What do you believe that may not be true?

There is a simple story told with variations in many cultures about four blind men and an elephant. I like to discuss this parable with leaders because it highlights the hazards of misperception and the challenge of decision-making based on incomplete or inaccurate information.

As the parable goes, four blind men encounter a large, strange object, and try to identify it by feel.

While one blind man grabs the elephant's tail, another man touches its tu...

There is a lot of talk these days about empathy - the ability to connect with people whose beliefs, experiences, hardships, privileges, and perspectives differ from your own.  Empathy is an essential leadership skill that can be learned. Here are four keys to practice and strengthen your empathy.

Meet people where they are. Every one is carrying a different and sometimes heavy load. Seek first to understand. Try to walk in their shoes without judging or projecting your own beliefs.

Acknowledge...