While I do agree with you, I disagree about it being the "strongest foundation". Such a thing is easily corruptible and can potentially do the opposite if you manage to catch that person's "bad side". So that makes such a trait potentially counter-intuitive to being a good person if someone lacks the appropriate empathy or knowledge first. Realistically, no person can understand
'any' situation unless they have foresight or are a mind-reader. So, I would say it's most certainly a foundation just not the strongest imho. But essentially, it all goes hand and hand.
And in leadership roles that promote strengthening all (like you've said), it's a good healthy balance of IQ and EQ. Understanding and Feeling. Pretty much what we've both said, collectively.