Is Empathy Learned Or Innate

I got curious terminal week! After seeing a lot of posts about leaders needing to have empathy, I started to wonder if other people thought that it was something that could be developed or if information technology was something that you're born with. Naturally, I did what a lot of curious people do and I posted a poll on LinkedIn.

Here are the results….

Like most respondents, I believe that information technology is a trait/skill that tin can be developed. It won't always come as easy to those with a stronger innate empathy talent. Information technology's a little like trying to better your weaknesses. It can be done though!

Confirmation bias exist damned – I headed down the google rabbit pigsty to find some articles near this topic.

Kickoff, what exactly is empathy? Oxford defines it every bit "the ability to understand and share the feelings of another." Depending on the situation, it'due south hard to understand what other people are going through if nosotros haven't experienced information technology ourselves, making information technology seem more difficult to be empathic.

I did observe a lot of articles that suggested that empathy is a learned behaviour. I in detail from Psychology Today had this to say "…the extent of your own emotional intelligence —your power to know what you lot're feeling, to accurately label and proper name different emotions with precision, and to employ your emotions to inform your thinking—will arrive easier or harder for you to be empathic. The more connected y'all are to your own emotions, the greater your ability to experience for others."

During my search, I also institute a great video from Brene Brown talking virtually the 4 attributes of Empathy. Information technology's a brusque one and definitely worth the watch! You can find information technology here.

Endeavour This...

Be curious! I of the ideas that came up repeatedly for developing empathy was Talk to New People. Now, if you happen to have Relator in your meridian 5 strengths or are an introvert, poking yourself in the centre might experience more enjoyable. It doesn't take to be a "new" person – invite an acquaintance for java or lunch and get to know them meliorate. Become beyond the surface level "what do you think of this weather condition?" conversation and really try to understand their life. Put the phones away and practice some active listening.

OR – follow someone on Social Media whose life looks a lot unlike than yours and costless your curiosity. Ask yourself, "If I were in their position, how would I experience?"

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