One thing that many people don’t realize is the fact that sometimes to get ahead in life, we must first be able to see the world through another person’s eyes. Basically, the more we are able to show empathy toward others, the better our lives will become.
It may seem strange that one of the quickest ways to success is putting others and their feelings first. However, it works wonders in people’s lives and if we could all empathize with each other a bit more, the world would be a much more understanding place.
Check out this article about the importance of empathy from SMART BUSINESS.
Empathy is the ability to experience and relate to the thoughts, emotions or experience of others. Empathy is more than simple sympathy, which is being able to understand and support others with compassion or sensitivity.
Simply put, empathy is the ability to step into someone else’s shoes, be aware of their feelings and understand their needs.
In the workplace, empathy can show a deep respect for co-workers and show that you care, as opposed to just going by rules and regulations. An empathic leadership style can make everyone feel like a team and increase productivity, morale and loyalty. Empathy is a powerful tool in the leadership belt of a well-liked and respected executive.
We could all take a lesson from nurses about being empathetic. Time and again, nurses rate as the most trusted profession. Why? Because they use proper empathy to make patients feel cared for and safe.
Over the years I have discovered that most people who score high on assessments for empathy have no idea why. They do not completely understand what it is they actually do that makes others see them as empathetic.
They can only express that they:
•Like people.
•Enjoy working with and helping others.
•Value people as individuals.
In order to facilitate a deeper understanding of the importance of empathy in the workplace, I will pose four questions regarding the nature, role and benefits of empathy.
1. Why does it matter for us to understand the needs of others?
By understanding others, we develop closer relationships.
The radar of every good executive just went off when they read the word “relationships.” This is not a bad thing since most people understand the problems that happen when improper relationships are developed in the workplace.
This being said, the baby cannot be thrown out with the bath water. In order for a team of workers and their leaders to work powerfully together, proper relationships must be built and deepened.
When this happens through empathy, trust is built in the team. When trust is built, good things begin to happen.
2. What traits/behaviors distinguish someone as empathetic?
Empathy requires three things: listening, openness and understanding.
Empathetic people listen attentively to what you’re telling them, putting their complete focus on the person in front of them and not getting easily distracted. They spend more time listening than talking because they want to understand the difficulties others face, all of which helps to give those around them the feeling of being heard and recognized.
Image Credit: inspiremykids
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