ABSTRACT
High empathy is found in remarkable leaders. But it is also a characteristic of some of the worst and most exploitative leaders the world has ever known. In other words, there is a potential dark side to authentic leadership. This chapter stresses the importance of using empathic influencing as a force for good and shows you how to avoid the temptations of behaving unethically. The skill of empathic influencing starts with a profound understanding of the people you work with, including their fears and what makes them react the way they do. All this places the leader in a position of power, which must be exercised in a positive and ethical way. In order to use your newfound empathic influencing skills wisely, you must be clear about your own intentions. Truly authentic leaders are scrupulously honest as well as deeply self-aware.
