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Welcome to Mind Tools' video learning series.
Empathy is one of the most important people skills you can have at work.
Empathy is the ability to recognize and relate to emotions in others. It can build cooperation, improve teamwork, and help you to avoid conflict.
Here are five steps for developing your empathy at work.
First, put aside your own viewpoint and try to see things from the other person's point of view.
If you are experiencing difficulty with a colleague, ask yourself: what's their view of the situation – and how have they got there? What information has influenced their position?
Consider any opportunities they might be pursuing and any potential threats they face.
Next, validate the other person's perspective.
You don't have to agree with their viewpoint, but it's important that you acknowledge it. Even if your own perspective is completely different, you can still show that you understand why they think and feel that way.
It's also important to step back and examine your own attitude.
What threats and opportunities do you see in this situation? Is your priority to find a solution? Or are you more concerned with getting your own way or being right?
Next, try to listen fully to the other person.
Listen with your ears, to pick up the overall message, any repeated words and phrases, and the tone of voice being used.
Listen with your eyes, to spot clues in someone's demeanor and body language.
