Inclusive Behaviour 1: Empathy

We all know what Empathy is – it’s the ability to accurately put yourself  “in someone else’s shoes”– to understand the other’s situation, perceptions and feelings from their point of view – and to be able to communicate that understanding back to the other person.   

Empathy is an important part of Inclusion because it allows us to start building bridges with people we cannot easily empathise with.

Do we always act with Empathy?  Sure, when we are with a person like us, we do.  But what about others we don’t know well?  People from different cultures and backgrounds?  People who grew up in circumstances we cannot imagine or know about?  How do we step into their shoes?

Growing your Empathy muscle requires effort.  In this episode we discuss the different ways in which people show empathy, where it’s lacking and how to notice it.  We also share with you our memorable acronym that helps with being more empathetic.  

We’d love your comments to this episode and examples when you found it easy and/or difficult to show empathy – in the workplace or in your personal life.  Let us know how and whether you can relate to our stories and how we can make Empathy even more accessible to more people.