Empathy Examples and Applications
Are you able to see things from someone else's point of view? Empathy means understanding how others feel and seeing things from their point of view. This helps us get along better with people and work better in groups. When we are empathetic, we listen carefully to what others say and pay attention to how they act. We try to understand what they need and value, even if we don't agree with them. This helps us create strong, positive relationships with others.
Watch the video below to learn about examples of empathy that you can find in the real world and how to apply empathy to reach your personal goals.
The Empathy Umbrella
Empathetic individuals exhibit these core four sub-competencies: "read the room": they listen actively, both to what is said explicitly and communicated non-verbally. They are able to recognize what others need and value and to validate the feelings and perceptions of colleagues, recognizing that validation is not the same as agreement, and to incorporate diverse perspectives. Listen Actively: Individuals forming productive working relationships, ensuring that others feel heard and valued, and grasping and retaining information. Provide Validation: Individuals create a safe and participatory environment in which each member of a team can contribute. Identify Others’ Needs + Values: Individuals put themselves in others' shoes. Incorporate Diverse Perspectives: Individuals enlarge the conversation, challenge their own thinking, and maximize group effectiveness.
Review the BIG PICTURE and be ready to prove your knowledge.
Definition
Empathy is being able to know how someone else is feeling, even when you aren't in the same situation. Sometimes, in more simple words, we call empathy, being able to "put yourself in someone's shoes" and see things from their view.
Examples
Actively listen and pay attention. Provide validation for others' feelings and needs. Identify the values of others and keep perspective diverse.
Why We Need
Empathy enables people to get on with others, whether it be a loved one, colleague, friend, or stranger. Ultimately, it is essential for developing good relationships, both in your personal life and at work.
The 3 Levels
- Cognitive Empathy - knowing what others might be feeling and thinking
- Emotional Empathy - intuitively sensing what others are feeling and thinking
- Compassionate Empathy - combined cognitive and emotional empathy, providing an understanding of others’ circumstances and feeling inclined to help
Want to Practice Before You Prove Your Skill? Read each example and decide if it would be a good or bad example of this skill.
NEXT UP: Prove you know the skill!
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