As empathy based
communication, we define an effective way of communication, where the quality
of empathy has the potential to create bonds among people. Skills related to empathetic
communication can be applied to different relationship contexts, including professional
frameworks.
Setting the Context of
Empathy and its Expression
A crude definition of
empathy could be summed up in the phrase of being in somebody’s shoes. However,
empathy is a broad concept that contains many extensions; its theoretical context
is defined as the establishment of communication, in which one has the ability
to understand the way of thinking and sense the emotion of another person. In
addition, the definition of empathy is being completed with the additional
ability of understanding how this emotion feels like to that other person.
However, displaying empathy is not necessarily linked to having had the same
experiences in the past.
Expressing empathy can
be found in the following skills:
- Being a careful listener. Gradually, this
skill that can be enriched by observing the other person’s body language; and,
by responding. However, an empathetic person does not lead the conversation; on
the contrary, this person follows the flow of the discussion.
- Understanding the significance of the
other person’s perspective on the subject. This skill is not about neglecting
your own belief system; but, it is about being open-minded and acknowledging
the difference, regarding how people process their own experiences.
- Finally, the skill of acting upon the
matter that is significant for the other person.
Cultivating Empathy Based
Communication at Work
Applying empathetic
communication in a working environment demands a different kind of skillset
than the ones usually met in such frames. This skillset is a factor that
contributes to the improvement of the working conditions, through establishing effective
communication. Such workplace interactions can create bonds of support; enhance
collaboration effectiveness; and, inspire employees. Apparently, the
aforementioned skills may adapt and extend, according to the implemented frame.
In terms of a working environment, an empathetic leader has the following
qualifications:
- An active listener has the ability to
trace the spots of a conversation that need further exploration. Hence, asking precise
questions can help an employer get to the bottom of a problem.
- Your coworkers are people who lead lives
that some of which may involve problematic situations. Hence, a useful approach
could be not to rush into making assumptions.
- Participating in a friendly environment
equals to smooth working conditions. Hence, taking some time to build and
maintain relationship with other employees is important.
- Prioritizing the matters that need to be
dealt with, is a key qualification at work. An extension of this skill could be
that sometimes being productive and profitable is not more valuable than your
employees.
Developing empathetic communication
skills, in any relationship context, is a slow and continuing process. Once an
empathetic connection builds up it can extend to form bidirectional relationships.
Establishing empathetic
communication can be an element for the creation impactful working relationships.
The sense of being heard and understood can be a strong motivation for a company’s
workforce. Hence, we refer to empathy based communication, as a facilitating
element that fosters balanced working conditions.
iED Academy as a knowledge hub of
entrepreneurship and innovation, acknowledges the importance of emotional
intelligence as a key factor that contributes to a thriving company. Stay tuned
for our platform’s pertinent upcoming courses.
