> Like if you don't have empathy there, then it's unlikely you're going to be a better manager than, again, my dog...

> ...much bad shit happened under their watch though, poaching, etc.

If empathy is important to you, please consider not using the term "poaching". Employees are not animals that belong to an employer based on an imaginary hereditary right. They have the choice (and often exercise it) of employment at a new place based on the relative attractiveness of both opportunities.