With awareness of the DiSC® behavioral theory, there are certain styles that are more people and relationship oriented (“I” and “S” styles) where others are less so and focused more on facts and details (“D” and “C”). But does that mean that people can’t adapt? Can they stretch to what is not natural to them? The answer is YES.
How one learns to be more empathetic varies. And when you can learn to balance compassion and empathy with reason and logic, you will become a better leader, a better colleague. So, what is it really?
It’s about seeing situations from another’s perspective, better understanding their thoughts, their feelings, their needs. Three quick steps that one can take begin with becoming a more active focused listener, truly hearing the other person. Another is to be proactive, being clear from the onset, offering options and being transparent, and supporting the other person. And the final suggestion is to slow down enough to smell the flowers. With another person, it’s crucial to show gratitude for what they offer and make them comfortable interacting with you.
In a 2017 study by faculty at both Leiden University and The Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition (in the Netherlands), the data showed that higher affective empathy predicts constructive conflict resolution. It also focused on cognitive empathy which sets the stage for sustainable, higher quality relationships.
"Empathy is seeing with the eyes of another, listening with the ears of another, and feeling with the heart of another."
- Dr. Alfred Adler (Founder of The School of Individual Psychology)