Jorg Greuel/Getty Images IN BRIEF When left unchallenged, our rapid conclusions about others become entrenched beliefs that feel like facts, creating a self-reinforcing cycle in which we notice only evidence that confirms our existing stories. Breaking the cycle requires intentional curiosity—noticing when emotions arise, identifying the “story” driving those feelings, and deliberately climbing back down your ladder to consider alternative explanations. Leaders who master this skill build stronger relationships, make better decisions, and collaborate more effectively by avoiding the trap of faulty assumptions and snap judgments. “The human mind rarely operates in a rational fashion, and our judgments are seldom […] The post Leading with Empathy: How Understanding Your Ladder of Inference Strengthens Your Leadership appeared first on Harvard Business Publishing.