Reference no: EM134029610

COMMUNICATING WITH EMPATHY

Case Study from Colleague:

The more sincerer your attempt to manage a difficult topic, the better your chances of success. Nothing makes difficult conversations easy, but employing the right approach can help avoid unfavorable outcomes. I once experienced a sense of under-appreciation and undervaluement during a talk with a coworker. I gave my viewpoint on a situation at the time because I was a new employee. She initially rejected my suggestion before telling me they didn't hire me for my opinion and that I should go back to my desk since they didn't require my help. My supervisor welcomed me and expressed regret for my colleague's actions when I told her about the situation. In a safe setting, I felt at ease and was able to express myself.

In order to communicate empathically, one must be aware of others' emotions. "Empathy is the ability to take on another person's perspective to better understand and communicate with them," McLaren concluded (2020). To have a productive conversation, we must be able to control our emotions and sensitivities while indicating that we are listening to the other person. Active listening is essential while communicating, especially when handling a difficult professional or personal issue. Your behavior should demonstrate that you are listening carefully. Your attitude should be kind and uncritical. Ask questions and repeat their message to make sure you understand what they are saying.

The goal of an empathic listener, according to Emerald Works Limited (n.d.), is to be encouraging, kind, and caring. Putting oneself in another person's situation while keeping your emotions in check. Several important lessons about empathic communication include the following: It is essential to actively listen since it "forces us to invest in what the other person is passionate about" (McLaren, 2020). Recognizing our communication style and making the necessary adjustments to have more sympathetic and meaningful talks with those around us is essential. One size does not fit all since introverts and extroverts demand various levels of contact. Introverts like pleasantness and positive energy, whereas extroverts are motivated to discuss their ideas in groups before coming to a decision (McLaren, 2020).

Because we mimic the behaviors of those around us, when we practice empathic communication and active listening, others will do the same. Leaders, according to Bersin, should respond with empathy and compassion before getting down to business (McLaren, 2020). My supervisor showed a high degree of compassionate leadership and communication when compared to my coworker. My coworker lacked empathy, and the conversation made me feel alone.

Questions:

1. Describe a specific takeaway or insight you gained from your colleague's account stated above

2. Respectfully pose one or two additional questions to encourage your colleague's further reflection and insight on empathetic communication stated above.

3. Suggest one or two specific tips your colleague could have used to improve the difficult/uncomfortable conversation with the party they described above.