Meaning ● SMB Leadership Empathy signifies a leader’s ability within small to medium-sized businesses to understand and share the feelings of their employees, especially during periods of growth, automation, and technological implementation. ● This involves acknowledging employee anxieties related to new technologies and process changes, thereby enabling leaders to proactively address concerns and promote smoother transitions. A leader exercising such empathy anticipates employee resistance to automation by actively listening, communicating transparently, and offering support to upskill employees. It becomes vital for maintaining team cohesion and driving successful project implementation, fostering trust and improving productivity within an evolving business environment. Moreover, effective leaders use this skill to align employee interests with company goals, specifically when automating key processes. ● Cultivating this awareness helps with reducing uncertainty and increasing acceptance of new strategies.