Week 3 Post 2: Empathy

Chris Amijo, one of the class mentor's, posted a link in the google group on the topic of empathy. I knew what empathy was but I wanted to learn more about it so I opened the link and watched the short video. In the video empathy is defined as, an active attempt to understand another person’s perspective, emotions, and reality. I found it interesting that in the video they say the ability to empathize is hardwired into everybody's brain. The video calls them the subconscious empathetic reflexes that everyone experiences without thinking about it. For example you might wince when you see somebody get hurt or you may feel sad when you see somebody else crying. However to be truly empathetic you need to think about the concerns of others. I decided to read another article on empathy that the website recommended. The article gave a list of 11 reasons why you should work on your ability to empathize with others. The list is as follows:

• 1. You will be more likely to treat the people you care about the way they wish you would treat them.
• 2. You will better understand the needs of people around you.
• 3. You will more clearly understand the perception you create in others with your words and actions.
• 4. You will understand the unspoken parts of your communication with others.
• 5. You will better understand the needs of your customers at work.
• 6. You will have less trouble dealing with interpersonal conflict both at home and at work.
• 7. You will be able to more accurately predict the actions and reactions of people you interact with.
• 8. You will learn how to motivate the people around you.
• 9. You will more effectively convince others of your point of view.
• 10. You will experience the world in higher resolution as you perceive through not only your perspective but the perspectives of those around you.
• 11. You will find it easier to deal with the negativity of others if you can better understand their motivations and fears. Lately when I find myself personally struggling with someone, I remind myself to empathize and I immediately calm myself and accept the situation for what it is.

This list has a lot of important skills on it, which would be very useful as a manager or leader especially in a healthcare setting. I personally will work on my ability to empathize with others because after learning about it I realized how important it is. The author of the article said that his ability to empathize with others is the main reason for his success and good fortune in life. He also said that being able to empathize will make you a better leader, follower, and most importantly a better friend.

Link to article: http://lifehacker.com/why-empathy-is-your-most-important-skill-and-how-to-pr-1505011685