An anonymous English author once said, “To empathize is to see with
the eyes of another, to hear with the ears of another, and to feel with
the heart of another.” Have you ever heard the expression, “Try walking a
mile in her shoes?” Well, that is exactly what this author was talking
about and that is what it means to have empathy. Empathy is a skill that
allows us to understand others’ thoughts, views, and feelings. Empathy
makes us aware of the emotions and needs of others so that we can
interact with them skillfully.
Everyone has a unique life experience, which shapes their
personality, thoughts, and emotions. Without empathy, these key
differences between people can lead to misunderstandings, division, and
prejudices. Think of empathy as the bridge that closes this gap and
connects yourself to others. Empathy allows you to cross the waters
between people who happen to think differently from you.
Why Empathy?
Practicing empathy will help you to improve your life on so many
levels. You will see benefits on a personal level with your friends and
family, and professionally, with your coworkers and customers.
The following list outlines just a few of the many benefits of practicing empathy:
- Communicate better with others
- Have more and better quality friendships
- Be a better leader
- Understand the needs and feelings of others
- Deal better with interpersonal conflicts
- Life success
The real world bottom line is that lack of empathy leads to poor
communication and a failing to understand others. Lack of empathy leads
to all sorts of problems in our world. Crime, abuse, and neglect are all
due to a lack of empathy and understanding. Scientists have even linked
the lack of empathy to criminal behaviors such as stealing, drug
dealing, and murder. An inability to feel a victim’s pain is a common
trait among people who break the law. This inability allows a criminal
to act without the pain of guilt. Although not all individuals who lack
empathy are criminals, people who lack empathy miss out on a very
important part of life.
No two people share the same thoughts, emotions or life experiences.
Our thoughts and experiences play a huge role in how we perceive the
outside world. In order to truly understand other people, you need to
understand their experiences, thoughts, and feelings. The following
skill areas will help you develop a deeper sense of understanding and
empathy for others:
1. Trust and Openness
2. Understanding
3. Caring
4. Accepting
5. Empathetic Listening
6. Responding
2. Understanding
3. Caring
4. Accepting
5. Empathetic Listening
6. Responding
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