How do you show empathy in business conversations?

2 Validate their feelings

Validation is the act of acknowledging and accepting the other person's feelings, even if you don't agree with them. Validation does not mean that you approve of their actions or decisions, but that you understand where they are coming from. You can validate their feelings by using phrases like "I can see how you feel that way", "That must be hard", or "I appreciate your honesty". Validation helps to reduce defensiveness, frustration, and conflict, and to increase empathy and connection.

3 Share your perspective

Sharing your perspective is not the same as imposing your opinion or trying to convince the other person to change their mind. It is a way of expressing your thoughts, feelings, and needs in a respectful and constructive manner. You can share your perspective by using "I" statements, such as "I feel", "I think", or "I need". You can also explain the reasons behind your perspective, and how it affects you or the situation. Sharing your perspective helps to create mutual understanding, respect, and empathy.

4 Seek common ground

Seeking common ground is the process of finding areas of agreement, similarity, or shared interest with the other person. It is a way of building rapport, trust, and empathy in business conversations. You can seek common ground by highlighting the goals, values, or challenges that you have in common with the other person. You can also use positive feedback, compliments, or humor to show appreciation and affinity. Seeking common ground helps to foster cooperation, collaboration, and empathy.

5 Offer support

Offering support is the act of showing that you care about the other person's well-being, success, and happiness. It is a way of demonstrating empathy and compassion in business conversations. You can offer support by asking how you can help, providing resources or advice, or following up on their progress or situation. You can also offer support by expressing gratitude, recognition, or encouragement for their efforts, achievements, or contributions. Offering support helps to strengthen the relationship, boost morale, and increase empathy.

6 Adapt to the situation

Adapting to the situation is the skill of adjusting your communication style, tone, and approach to suit the context, audience, and purpose of the conversation. It is a way of showing empathy and flexibility in business conversations. You can adapt to the situation by considering the other person's personality, preferences, and expectations. You can also adapt to the situation by being aware of the cultural, emotional, and social cues that influence the conversation. Adapting to the situation helps to avoid misunderstandings, conflicts, and barriers, and to enhance empathy and rapport.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?