Empathy has helped me grow personally and professionally. In both instances, empathy allows me to be an active listener and participant of a conversation. Such use of empathy allows for efficient communication which is vital in getting projects done. In addition, listening has allowed others to contribute more in my personal relationships and work environments when certain individuals are at first timid to give his or her opinion. In addition, empathy has helped me work on self-awareness by allowing me to indentify and manage my own emotions.
Empathic design helps us build better software by "turning preconceived notions on their heads," "revealing opportunities for new product applications," and "revealing future mistakes". Instead of coming up with a solution we think is best, empathic design allows us to hear what solution the people want. Next, when we listen to what people need, it allows us to delve deeper into research and come up with design to better serve those needs. Finally, empathic design our ability to listen to what others need, come up with a solution, and communicate that solution to all parties (manufacturers, users, etc.) we are able to get feedback on those parties and save time and resources on solutions that do not work.
Empathy is important for working on a team to communicate effectively and work efficiently. More often than not, we are caught up in our own head and fail to take the time to actively listen to what others around us have to say. Cultivating empathy allows us to be present and listen to each individuals contributions. Listening to others develops trust. Trust breeds reliability and accountability, and in turn, a team can function efficiently. Active listening and "using silence as a tool for active listening may give voice to those whight otherwise be too timid to speak up and contribute ideas." Ultimately, everybody will know everything. The question is, "Will it make a difference?" -Daniel Goleman
My ability to use compassionate empathy with a colleague was helpful when we were setting up for an event. I saw my colleague was struggling to carry a few boxes of decorations, and I took the initiative to help her because I had been in that same situation before. I went down to the basement and grabbed a dolly so that way she could put all the boxes on one dolly and make one trip. At the end of the day, I saved her a few trips of going up and down the elevator.
When do you find it most difficult to be empathetic in professional settings? How can you improve your skills when faced with these scenarios?
I find it most difficult to be empathetic in professional settings when there is a lack of communication. I can improve my skills when faced with this scenario by speaking up when I do not understand something and by reiterating what was said. For instance, I find that sometimes meeting agendas can get convoluted. By the end of a meeting, tasks are not allocated clearly and deadlines are not set. So at the end of meetings, I can paraphrase by saying "From what I heard you want us to do x by y date."