Is empathy more necessary now than it was previously? Perhaps. People are also likely more aware of what others are going through.
Empathy is all the rage, with millions of people reading about it, talking about it, blogging about it, and, most importantly, attempting to show greater of it.
Is empathy more necessary now than it was previously? Perhaps. Individuals are also likely more aware of what others are going through. Going through difficult experiences together is one of the most effective ways to connect. And the agony and difficulties of the previous several years have been shared in various ways.
Many individuals have said that their capacity for empathy has grown due to their own experiences and awareness of others’ suffering. And based on reports of physical and mental health difficulties and people’s and organizations’ increasing attention to wellness, empathy has arguably become something people are more comfortable discussing. A mindful leader is aware of this.
It is on the upswing for whatever cause, which is excellent for social institutions and collective wellness.
However, with its growth has come a slew of misconceptions about empathy. Here’s what empathy isn’t, as well as the fallacies about empathy to prevent sabotaging your attempts to become more empathic.
1. Empathy isn’t a soft feeling.
Empathy isn’t just lovely; it contributes significantly to various beneficial outcomes for individuals, businesses, and organizations.
Experts believe showing empathy promotes mental health, inventiveness, engagement, retention, inclusion, work-life balance, and collaboration in studies.
While some may have previously thought of empathy as a soft skill or one that isn’t necessary for business, empirical data indicates that it is a practice with proven effects.
2. Expecting accountability isn’t a lack of empathy.
While some managers are devoted to empathy, they are concerned that it may lead to a lack of responsibility in their teams and organizations. They question whether compassion and empathy with workers would go too far, resulting in poor performance and negatively impacting corporate earnings.
Empathy and responsibility, on the other hand, are not mutually exclusive. Often occur in tandem. Employees are more engaged when their leaders display empathy, connected to more discretionary effort and higher performance.
Furthermore, individuals want to be responsible for their actions. People want to be accountable. It gives the impression that an employee is appreciated when executives establish clear expectations and trust them to deliver. People have an innate desire to make a difference and share their skills and abilities.
Being held responsible isn’t bad. It’s a means for leaders and teams to show that they value all an employee contributes to the group and the corporation. Great leaders recognize what people excel at and provide the environment to execute their best work to contribute to company goals. Empathy and accountability are inextricably linked.
3. Empathetic action doesn’t have to be limited to leaders.
While empathy is a vital leadership talent, it is far from the sole one. Furthermore, it isn’t only a leadership talent.
In reality, empathy is most potent when expressed by individuals at all levels, departments, and teams within an organization. People who believe that others understand, appreciate, and care about their unique experiences contribute to empathy cultures.
Try to cultivate environments where people appreciate other points of view and respect one another. Likewise, an environment where individuals may make errors together, learn from one another, and achieve together. People will want to be a part of these groups, not wanting to leave.
4. Empathy isn’t assumption-making.
Making assumptions or extending prejudices is a common shortcoming of empathy.
While it’s essential to imagine what others are thinking or experiencing, asking questions and listening to what people are going through is the gold standard in productive interactions.
Don’t make the error of generalizing too much. For example, you know what your sister, a single mom, is going through, so you assume you know what all single moms are facing.
Also, avoid forming judgments based on your own experience, i.e., you went through something and believed everyone else is having the same issues you did.
While using prior information and placing yourself in others’ shoes are good places to start with empathy, you should avoid making assumptions or over-generalizing. To genuinely understand individuals around you, ask questions.
5. The empathetic feeling isn’t a passive attribute.
Genuine empathy isn’t passive; once you comprehend a person’s problems, you’ll somehow feel motivated to help them.
Some theories claim that compassion is an active type of empathy, and although this difference may be helpful, it isn’t essential. Use the most meaningful ones to you, but remember that when you empathize, you’ll want to reach out to others, give assistance, or take action in your community to change the circumstances that support people’s well-being.
Some individuals believe that they must have advanced degrees in social work to ask the right questions or offer the correct feedback, but this is not the case.
Allow people to know you care. Being there, and connecting them with expert resources, are all-powerful methods to empathize.
And assist that don’t need extensive knowledge or deep expertise. They’re just crucial ways of showing compassion and caring. You may make blunders. Or approach someone in an unprofessional manner. But showing that you care is an excellent starting step.