??The workplace superpower ??

Hello BrainBitters,

I receive a lot of questions about empathy, so in this week’s ?? Rethink: Eve’s BrainBits ??, let’s explore that.

Twenty years ago, empathy was often associated with 'weakness' and deemed unnecessary in the (so-called ‘hard’) business world.

However, research has proven otherwise. Empathy is not a weakness; it’s a workplace superpower. Yet, misunderstandings still persist.

These misunderstandings often arise from confusing sympathy with empathy. Their differences are crucial because they shape how we connect with others in times of joy, sorrow, and everything in between.

"The greatest gift of human beings is that we have the power of empathy." — Meryl Streep

Defining empathy and sympathy

Sympathy, often misunderstood, involves feeling sorry for someone. It stems from a place of judgment. Even when well-intentioned, it tends to dwell on the negative without truly understanding another's emotions.

Sympathy is self-centric—it’s about you.

Empathy, on the other hand, is about connection. It reflects our ability to understand and share in someone else's feelings. It goes beyond feeling sorry; it involves a profound acknowledgment of another's emotional landscape.

Empathy is other-centric—it’s about them.

"Learning to stand in somebody else's shoes, to see through their eyes, that's how peace begins. And it's up to you to make that happen." — Barack Obama

Relating with empathy vs. sympathy

When we relate with empathy, we create a safe space for emotions to unfold naturally. We refrain from jumping into problem-solving mode and instead embrace the rawness of human emotions. Empathy is a heart-driven response, it’s about acceptance and understanding.

“Whatever there is, can be.”

With sympathy our ego gets in the way, putting us in a problem-solving mindset. It can minimize others' struggles by offering solutions without truly acknowledging their feelings.

Empathy as an all-weather attitude

Empathy is an attitude we can adopt universally, bringing us closer to others in all circumstances.

Without empathy, there is no connection. Once we understand this, we hold the key to building connections.

Sympathy, even well-intentioned, avoids connection.

Your call-to-action

Here some tips to get started:

1. Reflect on judgment vs. curiosity: Are you listening to others with judgment or curiosity? If you jump to judgment, reflect on why you are doing this. Often, our ego gets in the way.
2. Open your perspective: Approach others' emotions and challenges from their perspective, not just your own. Ask questions to understand; it might open your perspective.
3. Listen with intent to understand: Are you listening to understand or to reply? (See previous BrainBits on active listening).
4. Resist giving unwanted advice: We often label providing solutions as helping, but it’s a thin line between genuinely helping and making ourselves feel better.

You cannot provide adequate solutions without understanding the emotions and problems of others from their perspective…

Let the person navigate their feelings and conclusions, empowering them to find their own way.

What are you adopting to be more understanding and caring today?

Empathy as compass, building connections.

Stay curious, Stay inspired, Keep ??Brainwaves ??buzzing.

Cheers,

If you find this valuable, ring the?? and feel free to share BrainBits with others. It might inspire them too.

?

About me

Thank you for being a part of "Rethink: Eve’s Brainbits." ??I appreciate your support and enthusiasm. ??

Some of you seem interested in why I am writing it.

My mission is to build better organizations and law firms by unleashing their potential.

During my career as an attorney, I encountered challenges that affect both corporate clients and law firms. These challenges often demand adaptations from organizations and leaders to navigate effectively.

Simply acknowledging these challenges isn't enough; finding valuable solutions is crucial.

Taking on this challenge led me on a journey across renowned business schools such as Oxford-Sa?d, Harvard Business School, Kellogg, and Stanford GSB, seeking answers and solutions to propel your firm forward and to drive positive change.

I categorize it all under the overarching labels of leadership, innovation, and transformation, using research-based methods.

Currently, I am affiliated with Stanford GSB as a Course Facilitator and serve on the advisory council for Harvard Business Review.

This journey equipped me with a deep understanding of how organizations and leaders can progress.? Armed with a wealth of knowledge, I strive to make a positive impact and drive organizations like yours forward.

My goal is to empower you and your organization to flourish in an ever-evolving landscape.

We live in an era of rethinking work and business; precisely the reason why I am doing this.

Rethink, Reflect, Revise.

"We transform, You grow."