Empathy - The evergreen skill

Empathy is one of the most imperative skill in today’s world and being empathetic is a true differentiating quality

However, empathy is clichéd according to me, the only definition people are aware of is ‘putting yourself in other person’s shoe’

What does putting yourself in other person’s shoe mean – literally?

·????????Understanding the functional layer – it is the physical environment – what does the other person see, touch, feel?( will need one to wear the same lens)

·????????Understanding the cognitive layer – how does the other person make sense of the situation, what is confusing , this step will need one not to fall prey to perception but literally make sense of the situation as is

·????????Understanding the behavioral layer – What is the other person saying and not saying, doing an d not doing , how is the mind processing and functioning

·????????Understanding the emotional layer – How do they feel, what can motivate them, what can touch them

These are different layers to Empathy. It is about seeing the world through the eyes of your users, stakeholders, customers, friends, colleagues etc.

In order to develop a culture of empathy, we need to recognize the fact that their inexplicable behavior is a representation of different strategies of coping with confusing, complex and volatile world they are in.?

Few tips to develop a culture of empathy - MSA

·????????Mindful Listening – Give your full attention, understand the full message , avoid asking questions/disputing/making direct remarks

·????????Show respect – Consider the other persons perspective, it is not about right or wrong ????

·????????Action – Depending on the situation, action can be taken. It is not about what you want, it is about the other person, so any action that you take or suggest must benefit them

Practicing MSA (Mindful Listening – Showing Respect – Action) can help you develop the right reputation for being caring, trust worthy and approachable, which will make you emotionally intelligent. One of the key ingredient in Emotional Intelligence is ‘Empathy’

Today the world is in search of people who are emotionally intelligent. People with empathy are in high demand

Empathy is like a universal solvent. Any problem immersed in empathy becomes soluble.

– Simon Baron-Cohen, British clinical psychologist, and professor of developmental psychopathology, University of Cambridge.