Why Empathy is an Important Skill to Develop

This topic is timely! It is so easy to pass judgment on ourselves and others—we decide that what we think is important is right and what isn’t important shouldn’t be important to others either.

Here’s the thing… we all have different values and priorities that inform, shape, and develop our experiences. So, consider what we’ve been hearing a lot of on social media: a whole family goes grocery shopping during the corona virus outbreak and should follow the rules of “one per family”. Absolutely families could do with having one person go to grocery stores to reduce people in stores and cross-contamination. However, let’s consider some challenges that can be associated with this experience. Perhaps the parent bringing their three kids to the store is a single parent—S/he can’t leave the two kids under ten home alone and the eldest child is not comfortable or mature enough to handle their younger siblings. Perhaps the couple that goes shopping together doesn’t separate because they have anxiety and shopping alone during these times has a longer-lasting effect on their mental health. Perhaps people living in the same house are two families who shop on different bills. The list can go on and on.

In these cases, empathy is crucial: we can choose to notice something that doesn’t seem status quo in our lives and release judgment. We can even go the extra step of understanding that something might be going on behind what we can see, and that people make choices that are comfortable for them. You don’t need to be perfect at this either! It is sometimes difficult to make space for empathy but not impossible.

In cases like coaching, people are going DEEP. Together we create space for deep inner reflection and when the work is being done and there is confidentiality, rapport, and safety in a session, people become really vulnerable. This is often a good thing if done right. How does One build rapport and safety? Through empathy. Being empathic makes those you are communicating or conversing with feel like you are listening fully and deeply and that you are present and interested in what they are saying. Empathy builds communication skills and relationships between people. It’s an opportunity to come from a place of understanding feelings and the possibility of the presence of feelings that you think would be different from your own. It’s not always coddling but it is definitely a form of connecting with others around you.

Consider areas where you can create more space for empathy for others and acknowledge your emotional intelligence. Appreciate moments where connection is made during vulnerability (or otherwise) and as always….

Be Kind. Dream Big. Empower Yourself.