We tend to ask empathetic people at work to help us relate to more difficult people. That’s because they are sensitive to the emotions and differences of others.
Empathetic people feel how other people feel in issues that face the workplace. And since we now see that emotional intelligence is as real as other skills emphasized in business, we find more and more value from lessons empathy can teach us daily. 
Don’t be afraid of tears, for instance, since tears often express the joys and sorrows of others’ lives, more poignantly than mere words or gestures. Empathy is a mental gift… and it comes more naturally to those who possess higher intrapersonal intelligence. Rather than be embarrassed by displays of strength in feeling… empathetic people teach us how to use feelings to everybody’s advantage.
When empathy is at a peak in a person’s brain… they might make decisions instinctively rather than what we think of as logically. Some see this as “going with your gut” and you’ve likely noticed that empathetic people often come out ahead in just that manner.
Who doesn’t enjoy being around positive optimistic people? They also teach us, though, to pick up on and be motivated by other positive workers… while they tend to avoid pessimists and cynics.
Does your organization make room for empathetic people to speak and feel heard on key issues?
Ellen, I never really thought of the link between empathy and instinctive decision making - after reading your post, I understand this dynamic better. It explains a lot about my behavior. Needless to say, I can't be a part of any organization that doesn't "make room" for half-fullers like me! All the best.
Posted by: Starbucker | August 5, 2006 12:50 PM | Permalink to Comment