When we do our best to try and understand someone else’s perspective we can enhance empathy.
~Ken Meeker
How showing up for others strengthens ourselves
In a highly competitive job market it is essential to possess the skills that employers are seeking in candidates. It’s often an evolving landscape that can be dizzying for anyone trying to keep up to date on trends.
There are many skills employers look for in candidates applying for open jobs. Historically, significant emphasis was given to the “hard skills” job seekers listed on their resume. These skills are usually technical, something that an individual needs to learn and be trained for. Such as typing, engineering, or using information to create a persuasive argument.
It wasn’t until recently that “soft skills” became more important in candidates. “Soft skills” are non-technical, interpersonal abilities that are essential for effective communication and collaboration. In the 90’s, “communication skills” became a general term for many “soft skills.” Companies realized the value in these “soft skills” and sought them out. In the years since, “soft skills” have grown to encompass other skills, such as empathy.
Why empathy matters to employers
Any organization that has two or more people needs effective communication to operate efficiently and effectively. Empathetic communication allows for the expression of understanding the emotions of others and acknowledging them. All human beings have emotions and they are bound to show up in various ways at the places we work.
Through active listening and giving your full attention to someone, it shows you’re engaged. This enables us to genuinely offer support and be there for others. Everyone has “bad days” and sometimes just having someone hear your frustrations is all that’s needed. Empathetic communication acknowledges the emotions of others without judgment.
Put yourself in their shoes
When we do our best to try and understand someone else’s perspective we can enhance empathy. Putting the focus on the speaker without distractions and showing genuine interest. Let the speaker know we hear them by utilizing reflective responses; repeating or paraphrasing what was said to confirm understanding. Avoid interrupting and give the speaker the opportunity to express themselves fully before responding.
Ask clarifying questions and seek additional information to ensure a comprehensive understanding of what they are saying. Empathy is about connecting emotionally with the speaker and showing you understand their feelings.
Be Present
Empathy requires an active presence: Be there for the person, both physically (if possible) and emotionally. When appropriate, offer practical assistance. Tangible help, such as running an errand or assisting with a task. Encourage, motivate and uplift the person by reinforcing their strengths and efforts. Verbally acknowledge the emotions of the other person and show that you care. If possible, offer to collaborate on finding solutions to challenges they may be facing.
Respect autonomy
Expressing empathy also requires allowing individuals to make decisions while offering guidance if needed. Empathy is an expression of understanding and acknowledging the feelings of others. Empathy is not assuming other peoples challenges or problems as our own. Putting yourself in someone else’s shoes means empathizing and understanding their perspective, emotions, and experiences. It involves imagining what it feels like to be in their situation. It does not make it our responsibility or thing to solve.
Strengthening Relationships
Expressing empathy is important because it fosters deeper connections by understanding and sharing in others’ emotions. Promoting understanding and enhancing communication by reducing misunderstandings. Empathy builds and strengthens trust. It contributes to a positive emotional environment for individuals in addition to helping resolve conflicts. Empathy facilitates conflict resolution by acknowledging and validating different perspectives
Social bonds are enhanced by cultivating a sense of community and solidarity among different people. By engaging in shared activities and joining groups or communities where empathy is valued, we can foster connections with like-minded individuals. Observe other people’s communication styles: Pay attention to how individuals listen and respond in conversations.
Commit to showing up in 2024
Make 2024 a year where you deepen the connection in your relationships. Practicing empathy in your professional and personal life is an investment in the people in your life, and in yourself. When we show up for others, they are more likely to show up for us as well.
By: Ken Meeker CPC, ADAC
About The Author
Ken Meeker CPC is the owner of Vitality Career Coaching LLC, a boutique leadership coaching company. His work includes creating inclusive, diverse, equitable, and accessible opportunities for employment through consulting and training workshops.
He is Inclusive Behaviors Inventory Certified, a Certified ADA Coordinator, graduate of the AFB Blind Leaders Program. Ken is a recognized leader for disability and blind/low vision advocacy as the recipient of the 2023 AFB Llura Gund Leadership Award. Additionally, Ken is enrolled in the 2023 NCDA Leadership Academy. He has been a featured speaker in numerous seminars, summits, a featured guest on multiple podcasts, and is the creator and host of the “Dissing My Ability’ Podcast. You can connect with him on LinkedIn.com/in/kenmeekeraz, kenmeekeraz@gmail.com or visit https://vitalitycareercoaching.com
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Image Descriptions:
- Closeup of a woman’s extended hand to the camera.
- Empathy mapping note pad with text says, thinks, does, feels.
- “Care = Empathy” reminder note pinned to a cork board.
- Author photo: A professional waist shot of Ken a white man with arms folded across his chest. He has short dark hair and eyeglasses.