 Empathy is a key leadership ability. Empathy places us in someone else's shoes to comprehend their perspective and to share in their feelings. For some of us, empathy comes naturally, but for others, not so much. Nurturing empathy requires self-awareness, open-mindedness, and deliberate thought. One of the best ways to develop and hone empathy is by reading fiction. As the psychologist Keith Oatley notes, books are life simulators. They allow us to experience many different situations and to see ourselves in someone else. Reading also reduces bias and improves our ability to understand others' beliefs. So, grab a book, walk around in someone else's shoes, and lead well this week.