Teresa Wiseman has done some research on the subject of empathy and here are Theresa Wiseman’s four attributes of empathy:
- Perspective Taking: To be able to see the world as others see it. Being able to putt your own stuff (e.g.: opinions, life experience, advice) aside to see the situation through the other’s eyes.
- To be nonjudgmental: When we judge another person’s situation we discount their experience.
- To understand another person’s feelings: recognize that we are all unique and we all have different feelings around a similar situation. Someone might have different feelings than you–and that is OK.
- To communicate your understanding of that person’s feelings: As Brené Brown says: A statement of empathy never starts with the phrase, “At least you…” or “It could be worse…” instead try…
by Nancy Smith
