What is empathy?

What is empathy is a question that needs deep understanding and clear answers. It’ a real strength enableing us to go beyond our perspectives, acknowledge struggles people close to us face, and treat them with appreciation and respect.

However, the real challenge is to be empathic while maintaining equilibrium so that we can help people. This is a short learning session about empathy , how we can understand it better and its role in our lives.

Empathy is an interdisciplinary concept continuously debated by neurobiologists, psychologists, philosophers, sociologists, etc. Neuroscience studies empathic responses, trying to identify the neural mechanisms and brain networks involved in empathetic process.

Researchers say that we begin to show this skill since infancy, and it allows us to relate to others, help them and consider their feelings. More and more companies are initiating training programs on active listening and perspective-taking to improve their teams’ empathetic responses.

Personal trait, skill, emotion or a virtue

From a career development point of view, researchers have identified empathy as a core component of emotional intelligence and a predictor of success in many professions. They generally agree that there are two types of empathy: cognitive and emotional.

Most studies agree that empathy facilitates a profound understanding and authentic connection with the life experiences and emotions of others. Whether a trait, skill, emotion or a virtue, we agree that empathy encourages compassion while maintaining control of emotional reactions.

In addition, self-reflection and the genuine desire to understand others can reinforce this ability. Learning to read and understand people’s states of mind, picking up their subtle emotions, and balancing a proper response is a pathway to emotional resilience and kindness.

So, taking the time and effort to examine thoughts and behaviours objectively can help people become more empathetic.