Empathy in the Workplace

What’s the difference between empathy and sympathy? Empathy means ‘I am with you in your feelings’ whereas sympathy means ‘I can understand your feelings’. When you’re able to fully be with someone in their feelings, it allows the other person to be witnessed and understood. People might use empathy and sympathy interchangeably, but they’re not the same. However, compassion is still used in both.    Empathy is the basis for healthier relationships because it helps us understand other people’s feelings and it helps us understand their perspectives. It also helps us understand what their true intentions might be. When we have that kind of understanding, we’re able to communicate with others more effectively, and from a place of compassion.    Empathy is also critical in leadership because when we’re able to truly be with someone, understand them, we can also better lead them forward. Everytime we practice empathy, we’re practicing emotional intelligence. When you have empathic leadership, you have a more people-focused company. And of course, companies who have more of an emphasis on their people end up having a happier and more productive workforce.   Continue Your Growth Journey: Kaminiwood.com