Tips for improving your ability to show Empathy to others for your personal growth

Empathy is a powerful skill that can deepen our connections with those around us.

Check out this latest blog for tips on how to improve your empathy skills and show kindness and compassion to those in your life.

So, what does empathy look like? There is no one right way to be empathetic, but I believe it involves the following actions:

Listen

Active listening, looking at the person, allowing them the space to share their feelings and thoughts.  It's not your responsibility to respond or come up with solutions. Just let the person speak. Cry. Yell. whatever is necessary.

Connect with their feelings

Become curious, "How are you feeling about ____?" Repeat back to them their feelings and begin to consider the situation from their perspective. Understanding a person's enneagram type can help you to more deeply connect with where they are coming from. Their pain likely comes from a core fear or motivator being triggered. 

Acknowledge their pain

Simply repeat back to them what they've told you. "So you're really feeling ___ about this, did I get that right?"

Validate, validate, validate-

I see you, I hear you, I can understand why this is bothering you, I have space for you to share. 

Show them love

Quality time: Offer to hold space for them to share or talk about it or just BE there (no talking needed) 

Words of affirmation: Build them up for sharing and processing this tough thing. 

Acts of service: take something off their plate. 

Gifts: bring them a little something to brighten their day

Physical Touch: Ask for consent to hold them in a warm embrace. 

COACH TIP

• Work on your ability to active listen:

• Be present, put away phones or distractions.

• Reflect back the message to the person. Sum up what they told you.

• Be curious- Ask follow up questions so they can share more.