You have likely heard the phrase “walk a mile in someone else’s shoes.” However, this is often easier said than done. Understanding where someone is coming from can be challenging; especially if you’ve never experienced something similar, or find it difficult to relate. Being empathetic towards someone might take some time and effort, but it’s important to learn this skill to enable you to better support the people in your life. So, today, let’s chat about some ways you can practice empathy.
What is Empathy?
Empathy can be described as the ability to see things from another’s perspective and feel their emotions. When you lead with empathy, you are more likely to act with compassion and seek to find appropriate ways to help support the person, or improve their situation. This helps you to be a better friend, family member, or colleague.
While your instinct might be to tell someone that you understand how they feel, there are a few other strategies that might be more impactful. Here are a few to try:
Practice active listening
Often, people just need someone to listen, not necessarily to provide advice or opinions. When asked for input, be gentle with your words. Most importantly, listen actively, creating a safe and judgment-free environment. Active listening involves full attention, eye contact, verbal and non-verbal cues, and acknowledgment of what they are saying.
Asking questions for clarification or further information is a good way to gain more understanding and improve your knowledge on the subject.
Give your full attention
Often, we say much more through our actions than our words. Therefore, it’s important to remove all distractions. Put your phone away to ensure the person sees that they have your full attention. Be conscious of your body language and how you are presenting yourself. For example, don’t sit with your arms crossed, and avoid fidgeting or moving around. Instead, aim for your posture to be warm and welcoming, nod your head as they speak, and offer comfort if needed (and wanted). This can help the other person feel more at ease, allowing them to speak more openly.
Repeat what they are saying
Rather than speaking to your own experiences, validate what the other person is saying. In an article from CNBC, they suggest repeating back a meaningful word, phrase, or metaphor they might have used during the conversation.
“Instead of sharing advice or something similar you’ve experienced, try summing up the emotional essence of what they shared.” –CNBC
When you do this, you reinforce their feelings while also showing that you are paying attention to their feelings regarding the situation.
Sometimes silence is golden
For many people, they simply want to be heard. Rather than look for an immediate response, allow a safe space for them to vent their emotions, thoughts, and frustrations. Give them the opportunity to say what they need. If you are asked to help resolve the situation, do so with kindness and grace.
What works for one, may not work for another. Therefore, it’s key to be present in the moment, and find ways to meet the needs of the individual.
Being empathetic can help foster strong relationships and is an important communication tool. Keep these tips in mind the next time someone needs a safe space to talk, and you will likely have a deeper, more meaningful conversation and, in turn, connection.
