We’ve seen how empathy can be an important skill for success, and one worth developing. The good news is that, according to science, human beings are predisposed to be empathetic. Even though empathy may be genetically programmed into our brains, it’s still like any other skill—its strength depends on how much we use it.
Empathy is something we can build with practice by adopting simple mental habits that are based in kindness.
Try triggering these mental habits with kindness cues that kick in whenever you interact with another person.
Be Happy Cue: Every time you begin an interaction—in person, over the phone or electronically—try thinking to yourself, this person is a human being too, and I want him/her to be happy. This helps set you up to begin every exchange from a kinder, more constructive place and to seek resolution rather than conflict.
See the Reason Cue: Throughout your interaction, try thinking to yourself, where is he/she coming from? This can help you to remember that others are coming from a reasonable place, at least from their own point of view. Even if you disagree with that point of view, trying to understand where it’s coming from can help you to be more objective and empathetic.
Simple mental habits like these will become easier the more you practice them, eventually becoming second nature and helping to increase your natural empathy.
