How to Use Empathy

The Empathy Symbol

Empathy is an important emotion to use in any situation. If you have no empathy others will see you as rude and inconsiderate. Empathy can help you in your career, no matter what field that may be. When others see that you understand where they are coming from they are more likely to interact with you. Empathy is simply that we can put ourselves in someone else's shoes - we can feel what the other person is feeling and that helps us understand how they are feeling. When empathy is used properly it can be our tool to help others. Showing empathy at the right moments can also let others see that we understand. People appreciate this emotion.

Instructions

1. Read the person's language. How is she feeling right now? Do you think she is sad, happy or angry? Sometimes people are subtle about the way they feel, because they don't want to make waves. However, if you want to use empathy you will have to look for certain clues to how someone feels. If their voice has lowered, or their posture has sunk they might be feeling worried or disappointed. If they are feeling happy they might sit up straight and speak loud and clear.

2. Listen to the other person. Analyze the way they are talking or the words in every sentence they sent you in an email. You can always spot a person who is not content by doing this. Some try to hide their emotions, but it almost always comes out in their body language. In emails it can come out in the way they write. It could be shorter, more to the point, or just different somehow. Listen to them and pay attention to their usual behavior. When something is different they are often not feeling content.

3. Make it clear that you know how that person feels. Say it, even. For example, if you have a customer or client who is a bit worried about something, you can reassure them by saying, "You must be feeling a little worried. There is no need to, because I am going to..." and then state what you can do for them to eliminate their fears. You can also do this without saying what they must be feeling. Most people are more comforted when they are not told what they are feeling, but just reassured in the way that they need to be.

4. Use certain phrases to display empathy. For example, you could say, "I can understand why you feel that way, because..." when someone straight out tells you how they feel. You can use affirmations to use empathy by saying, "What can I do to help you achieve your goals?" or "How can I make you feel more comfortable with this situation?" Use empathy to help comfort them.

Tips & Warnings

• Think about when you felt a way the person feels, and then how you felt when someone did or did not empathize with you.