Empathy
Effective interactions requires us to have empathy.
Empathy is one of the most powerful keys to successful interactions and it is vital when developing your ability to care about others. The ability to recognize and care about
the feelings of another is both intrinsically rewarding as well as very useful to this process.
I find that when I notice someone I am working with getting angry or defensive, I stop and notice their
vulnerability. When this happens, I often drop my agenda for that moment to empathize with, and respond to that vulnerability.
When people react to the anger, and become defensive themselves, positive outcomes become
more difficult.
Responding to vulnerability with nurturing or caring is very powerful. It helps us build trust and makes successful resolutions easier to accomplish.
Remember empathy is encouraged, not
sympathy. Empathy offers support and the opportunity to share with someone who will be emotionally engaged.
Empathy helps each person involved to contribute to a peaceful, reasonable resolution.
