Using and Receiving Empathy
Assuming the Best of Intentions
Leading with empathy has become such a common trope that it is becoming cliché. But it’s really helpful when applied correctly.
Specifically, when I think of empathy, I think of the process by which we see things from the point of view of another person. When we make an effort to understand their thoughts and ideas. And this is what I have been aiming to do as I have seen how helpful it has been for several podcasters who interview people who fundamentally disagree with them.
Just asking questions about what people believe allows them a chance to articulate that idea, and it gives us a chance to make sure we know exactly what they think. Sometimes, you may not disagree with much at all.
I think the best way to do this is to ask questions, and then reiterate back to that person what you think they are saying. But there’s a problem: People get irritated when you ask them to explain what it is they think.
Here’s why I think this happens:
- People don’t assume you actually want to know what they think, but what your’e doing is trying to win an argument.
Especially in a generation of people who have been taught that the world and all of our interactions are fundamentally power struggles, they cannot…
