The Importance of Empathy
One of the most significant ways to impact those around us is to develop the skill of empathy. Empathy is like a key that will unlock the door of connection between you and the people you serve.
To relate and truly understand someone we have to be able to empathize with them. Empathy is more than just seeing the way someone feels, it is the act of actually sharing in those feelings. It is a transition from “I see you” to “I am with you.”
Empathy is so important in our work with others. It is a skill we can learn, a muscle we can strengthen. Here are 6 great ways to start developing empathy for those around you:
Cultivate Curiosity - allow yourself to wonder and think about the experience other people are walking through
Examine Your Personal Biases - look at the things in your life that tend to be highlighted or muted, and consider why they are that way
Engage the Heart - relating to others is a work of heart, it requires vulnerability and honesty about your own personal feelings
Learn to Ask Great Questions - great questions seek to understand something unknown to us, not simply confirm something we already assume
Picture Yourself in Their Shoes - imagine their situation is your situation and their pressure is your pressure
Get Out of Your Comfort Zone - unknown ideas, emotions, and perspective is gained when we experience something different than our normal status quo
The people you work with long to be known. They want people to relate with them. Developing empathy allows us to be relationally flexible. Empathy is a powerful resource for each of us because it allows us to engage and relate with people no matter their situation, background, or beliefs.
What will it take to develop empathy in your area of influence this week?
