Notes on Empathy (and its benefits in the workplace)

Well, what is empathy, really?

In short, empathy is the ability and capacity to emotionally understand what other people feel. So it is putting yourself in someone else's position and feeling what they must be feeling. There are different types of empathy!  The main ones often included in your basic psychology book or article often speak of cognitive empathy, emotional (or affective) empathy and compassionate empathy. 

-  Cognitive empathy is our capacity to understand how another person feels and what they may be thinking. 

-  Emotional empathy is our capacity to not only understand but also to also share someone's feelings. 

-  Compassionate empathy goes beyond understanding and sharing, is it the ability be moved by someone's feelings, prompting us to take action and help them.

Each type can be appropriate in different circumstances. But in the current state of affairs, I propose we practice compassionate empathy whenever possible! 

I've always been a naturally empathetic person. It has always come very organically to me. However it wasn't until recently that I realized that not everyone is wired to default that way.