Empathy at Work

Seeing other people through their lens

What is empathy?
Empathy is the ability to understand someone else’s feelings and experiences. Empathy allows us to grasp another person’s point of view, improve our capacity to connect with people, and get a larger perspective of the world. Empathy in the workplace is the ability to be understanding towards colleagues and sensitive to their unique perspectives, work styles, and ideas.
Types of Empathy:
● Cognitive empathy
● Emotional empathy
● Compassionate empath

Why Is Empathy Important in the Workplace?

Empathy in the workplace is an emotional glue that binds us together for a greater purpose and even better outcomes.
It is a crucial skill that helps us:
● Team collaboration
● Conflict Resolution
● Motivation
● Customer relations
● Leadership and
● Innovation

Becoming an Empathetic Colleague;

● Create a culture of Teamwork

● Accept people as they are

● Be Transparent and Authentic

● Choose an attitude of gratitude

● Ask open-ended questions

● Prioritize listening over responding

● “IT’S NOT ABOUT YOU!”

Three types of empathy:

“Empathy has no script. There is no right or wrong way to do it. It's simply listening, holding space, withholding judgement, emotionally connecting, and communicating that incredibly healing message of “YOU’RE NOT ALONE.” – Brene Brown

Author: Rahmat Olaoye