The characteristics of acceptance, authenticity and empathy encourage empowerment.

When a leader, and other group members, act and speak out of authenticity, others in the group are encouraged to be real. Individuals are not hiding or encased in a role; they are real. When a leader accepts the reality of others in the group, members are encouraged to speak in a more vulnerable way and take risks. When group members are greeted with empathy and understanding, they are encouraged to report a full range of their experience. This is the path to group empowerment.