Tips On How To Be Empathetic At Work

Empathy is defined as the ability to put aside your views and step into someone else’s shoes for a while, be aware of their needs and understand their point of view! At work, empathy goes a long way in gaining respect from your peers and shows that you care about other people. Here are a few tips that could help you become more empathetic at work.

1. Validate the other person’s perspective 

Once you “see” why others believe what they believe, acknowledge it. Acknowledgement does not always equal agreement. You can accept that people have different opinions from the ones that you have and that they may have good reason to hold those opinions.

2. Listen 

Listen to the entire message being conveyed by the other person. If you tune out during the conversation, then you end up hurting the other person. Listen with your instincts and with your heart.  Listening goes a long way in creating a connection and establishing a lasting relationship.

3. Examine your attitude 

Are you more concerned with getting your way, winning, or being right? Or, is your priority to find a solution, build relationships, and accept others? Without an open mind and attitude, you probably won’t have enough room for empathy.

4. Give genuine recognition 

Praise goes a long way in helping boost the other person’s confidence. However, you should make sure that you’re giving genuine recognition and not just say run of the mill things! Giving genuine recognition shows that you truly care about the person and appreciate their hard work.

5. Try to make a stronger connection 

This tip might particularly come in handy during election year! One good way to approach differing beliefs in conversation is to say, “That’s interesting, how did you develop that idea?” or “Tell me more.” While these openings sound cliched and slightly over the top, they are extremely effective!