Empathize Before You Analyze | #Empathy #PeopleSkills #LeadMorale

When we empathize with people, we connect. Empathy transcends the ego. It closes the gaps between us and creates infinite possibilities. It can turn mistrust into trust, doubt into confidence, pain into courage, and happiness into joy.


Empathy is one of the most powerful people skills for it replaces the distance of our differences with bonds of connection.  It is strongest when it comes from the heart.


This is true in our personal lives and in leadership, management, teamwork, and of course with customers. It is a universal connector IF we remember one people skills principle.


People Skills: Empathize Before Analyze Image is: Mind and Heart

People Skills: Empathize Before We Analyze Image by:Nastassia Davis

Image by Nastassia Davis via Flickr Creative Commons License.




People Skills Tip: Empathize Before You Analyze

Does that sound odd to you? Are you wondering, “How can I empathize unless I first analyze to see if I agree? Well, empathy is not about judging nor agreeing. It’s feeling what others feel. Empathy is the connection before the solution. Then, analyze to solve the problem.


If we analyze to solve before we empathize to connect, we stand at a distance.

This makes us seem cold and judgmental.

It limits what we can achieve.



Imagine the possibilities of connecting through empathy!

  • Exploring different perspectives because empathy makes it safe to explore
  • Collaborating because empathy builds mutual regard
  • Sharing knowledge because empathy first shares a generous heart
  • Working through difficult moments with customers because empathy shows commitment instead of assigning blame
  • Inspiring employees during the tough times of change because empathy connects to the truth of how they feel
  • Reaching a solution because empathy says “you matter”



Empathizing doesn’t mean agreeing. It doesn’t delay or detour progress. Empathy is the universal connector to the new and unexplored if we empathize before we analyze. It creates a shared journey to a better place.



Note: When two analytic personalities get together, they may find that analysis is the bond. It is their universal connector. However, when different personality types interact, empathize before you analyze.


What have you achieved through empathy?



From my professional experience to your success,
Kate Nasser, The People Skills Coach™

Related post:
People Skills Empathy: Do We Show It or Project Our Needs?

©2013-2018 Kate Nasser, CAS, Inc. Somerville, NJ. I appreciate your sharing the link to this post on your social streams. However, if you want to re-post or republish the content of this post, please email info@katenasser.com for permission and guidelines. Thank you for respecting intellectual capital.


Kate Nasser, The People Skills Coach™, delivers coaching, consulting, training, and keynotes on leading morale, employee engagement, teamwork, and delivering the ultimate customer service. She turns interaction obstacles into interpersonal success. See this site for workshop outlines, keynote footage, and customer results.


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9 Responses to “Empathize Before You Analyze | #Empathy #PeopleSkills #LeadMorale”

  1. Hi Kate:
    Never would have been able to grasp this concept if I had not first put myself in the other person’s shoe. I think it’s exactly what it means when you said “Empathize before you analyze” Thanks for the many nuggets you have shared..it’s left up to us individually to put all of these things into practice.

    • Kate Nasser says:

      Hi Yvonne,
      Empathy does give us the capacity to be more empathetic. Ironic isn’t it? You first have to try empathy — that leap into another person’s world — to understand the power of it. And as you say, it’s left up to individuals to put it into practice.

      So grateful for your insight here. Have a wonderful day.
      Kate

  2. Kate Nasser says:

    Thanks Dan. Empathy really is that time and attention to someone’s view before analysis, process, action.

    Grateful for your contribution here.
    Kate

  3. Khalid says:

    Empathy is the reason for LOVE.

    If you look at couples when they fall in LOVE, empathy is what joins them together.

    Most relationships die when that empathy turns into analyzing each persons acts. When such analysis guide personal judgments about each others then LOVE suffers and eventually collapses.

    I LOVE your posts Kate 🙂

    Regards,
    Khalid

    • Kate Nasser says:

      And I LOVE the way you take every post and explain an essential part of life or work in such a clear way. Great insight. Couples who start analyzing and judging each other lose the magic of love.

      Thank you Kahlid!
      Kate

  4. Hi, Kate – interesting post, as always.

    Like several others, the phrase “Empathize before you analyze” resonates with me. This is a great reminder that empathy does not equal agreement or endorsement … just understanding and willingness to forego conversion as the goal.

    John

    • Kate Nasser says:

      Thank you John. Many who hesitate to give empathy do so because they think it means agreement. This misunderstanding is at the root of many interaction troubles — in personal relationships and professional pursuits.

      I am grateful for your addition to this post.

      Warmest regards,
      Kate

  5. Tagrid Sihly says:

    Empathy strengthens relationships and builds trust. Effective school leaders are able to empathize with their teachers and staff. As such, they are respected and trusted by their followers. Once they’ve established those collegial relationships, then it is easier to consider analysis and reform.

    • Kate Nasser says:

      Thank you Tagrid. Great extension of empathy to the impact on schools, analysis, and reform. So honored that you have visited my blog and hope you will add your insight to any post of interest.

      Kate

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