Empathy is a characteristic of all homo sapiens, though its strength varies from person to person.  One can see it in all cultures and genders, and for most people it offers a way to connect quickly.  Leaders rely on it frequently to build relationships, trust, and teams.   The Dalai Lama says compassion requires a person to understand another, feel for another, and want to help another.  Empathy is feeling for another.  Leaders are empathetic, and our experience says they must be.