Embrace Empathy At the Workplace

And how empathy can make you an effective leader

“Do you know what I mean?”

How often have you said this or heard this while speaking to someone? One of our deepest needs as humans is to feel understood, and true understanding is not possible without empathy.

Empathy is the ability to understand & relate to the thoughts, emotions & experiences of others. As opposed to ‘sympathy’ which is feeling sorry for another person; ‘empathy’ is being compassionate and connecting with others.

Why should we make the effort to understand the needs of others?

Understanding what drives the people around us helps us develop stronger relationships. Robust long-term relationships are the most valuable assets an individual or company can have.

My work has taken me across the globe and brought me in touch with people from Hong Kong to Hawaii. I’ve noticed that interacting with someone who’s from a different culture and speaks a different language can be intimidating and sometimes frustrating. My empathy made the experience enriching. It made me more attune to people’s challenges and enable me to suggest solutions. It has also made it easier for others to trust me and accept my point of view more readily.

Why does empathy matter in the workplace?

As a Customer service professional is it my job to identify the needs of the customers and advise the sales & marketing teams on the best strategies. Of course, every strategy guide tells you to listen to what your clients are saying, but there is more to it. Reading non-verbal cues and understanding the reason behind their behavior can mean the difference between a one-time client and a loyal brand advocate.

How can you be more empathetic?

Empathy takes work! It requires three things: listening, openness, and understanding. This comes naturally to some people and others have to practice. A few lessons that I have learned along the way are:

1. Talk to new people- a little curiosity can really expand your horizons

2. Listen to understand not to respond — you may find more similarities than differences

3. Walk a mile in their shoes — clichéd but still relevant, try putting yourself in their place

4. Join forces for a cause — work together on a project or take part in a common activity

Being empathetic is not always easy, being the office agony aunt can weigh you down emotionally; cringing with second-hand embarrassment; taking a firm line with a teammate even when you feel for them, it can all be overwhelming.

Related posts:

Life is tough and everybody is complaining, I used to sell banana. I could make around 1,000-1,200 naira [£2-£2.50] profit every day, but soon I couldn’t even make 400 naira. People couldn’t have…

Original Italian recipe by grandma =). “The best Tiramisu Recipe — Classic” is published by Lily E.

Do you love breakfast food? Have you ever heard it’s the most important meal of the day? Why not have it for the most important day? Your Wedding Day!! Weddings can be very expensive depending on the…