What is empathy?

Empathy can become a strength that enables us to go beyond our perspectives, acknowledge the struggles of others, and treat them with appreciation and respect.

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

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

Researchers say that we begin to show this skill since infancy, and it allows us to relate to others, consider their feelings, and be motivated to help. 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.

Overall, most studies agree that empathy facilitates a more profound understanding and authentic connection with the life experiences and emotions of others. Whether we see it as a personal trait, a skill, an emotion or a virtue, we can agree that empathy encourages compassion while maintaining calm and control of emotional reactions.

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