Page 40 - September 2020 Voices
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SKILLS 2.0 CORNER
Empathy: Van vs. Mustang Chronicles
Sudhir Gautam, DL4
You just paid $350 to fill the gas tank in your
10-seater van and now you’re heading towards What is Empathy?
the YMCA to take your Zumba class. You stop
at the nearest Starbucks to get your favorite It’s our ability to recognize and share
pre-workout drink—Venti 1 pump caramel, other people’s feelings. In simpler terms,
1 pump white mocha, 2 scoops vanilla bean it’s putting ourselves in other people’s shoes
powder, extra ice Frappuccino with 2 shots in order to try and feel what they feel.
poured over the top with caramel drizzle Empathy isn’t just an abstract concept
under and on top of the whipped cream, but is a 2.0 skill that can be acquired and
double cupped. enhanced using cutting edge research and
Two blocks away from the YMCA a yellow hands-on tools. But before we get into
Mustang abruptly cuts you off. You honk, flip some of these tools, we need to understand
them off and stare them down in their rear- the benefits of empathy. Here are some of
view mirror. You create a picture of this driver them:
in your head—an ex-convict who evades taxes, • Reduces stress and anxiety
sells drugs, does not pay child support, and • Encourages openness
votes for the political party that you hate.
• Creates more space for creativity
Imagine if this was a movie in the making
• Enhances cognitive flexibility
and you were the director who could do a take
• Leads to better teamwork
two. What if you created a different script?
• Helps build deeper connections and
Grandma’s in the ER fighting for her life and
her grandson in the yellow mustang is rushing friendships
towards the hospital. The take two response • Results in better problem solving
is what we call an empathetic response, and it outcomes
utilizes an ability called Empathy, which most • Is better for business: better leadership,
of us have to some extent. innovation and customer satisfaction
• Less political division and social conflict
40 ONE COMMUNITY
