Empathy hasnt been something that i've always been aware of as a normal human emotion. Not in a crude way, but I grew up with a tough enviorment, one where I never felt empathy was shown toward me. However in my early 20's that changed when I was exposed to true proverty in a third world country. Since then empathy plays a large part in my daily activities. Its helped me understand myself, and those around me.
Empathy can sometimes in my opinion be associated with the saying "walk a mile in someones shoes" by using empathy I believe a software designer will better be able to deliver a product that works better for the user by understanding their perspective.
Everyone has stress in their own struggles. By showing empathy towards to those on your team it helps buld a foundation for trust for understanding.
When I was in the Navy we had a guy who was on duty but his wife and child was sick at home. The way the military works is the military always comes first. I overheard the guys story when I was leaving the ship and I volunteered to take his watch even though I wasnt on duty so he could be with his family that night. I had no intention of him every paying me back however several months later I had a similar situation except it was me with a pertty severe cold. My shipmate didnt even hesitate to stand my watch so I could get some rest.
When do you find it most difficult to be empathetic in professional settings? How can you improve your skills when faced with these scenarios?
Its not typically, especially when you know that the people you work with are good and kind people. I guess the only time that it can become difficut is when you may have someone in a proffessional setting who you feel perhaps isnt an empatheric person themselves in a blatant way. I think in those times I find it best to just think how I would want to be treated in a situation empathy would be needed.