Empathy The Heartbeat of Healthcare: A Skill, Not a Superpower – And Yes, You Can Learn It
When we think of successful workplace dynamics, one quality stands out: empathy.
When we think of successful workplace dynamics, one quality stands out: empathy.
Yet, many people believe empathy is a personality trait, something that’s either hardwired into a person or absent altogether. But here’s the good news: Empathy isn’t just for the naturally “soft-hearted” – it’s a skill that can be learned, practiced, and transformed into a powerful tool for creating more collaborative, effective, and supportive work environments.
Imagine this: You’re in a meeting, and a colleague, who seems stressed, shares an idea that doesn’t quite hit the mark. Rather than brushing it off or immediately correcting them, you pause and ask, “How can I help?” or “Tell me more about your perspective.” In that moment, empathy isn't just about understanding; it’s about creating space for someone to feel heard and valued.
Can Empathy Be Learned?
Absolutely! While some people may have an innate ability to sense others’ emotions, empathy is far from being a fixed trait. Empathy doesn’t require a special “personality” – it requires practice and intention. In fact, research shows that emotional intelligence—the foundation of empathy—can be cultivated through practice. Neuroscience has shown that our brains are wired for empathy, with certain areas activated when we experience or observe someone’s emotions. With training, these neural pathways can be strengthened, making empathetic responses more automatic. Whether you’re leading a team or working as part of one, developing empathy at work is a matter of making intentional efforts to understand and connect with others.
Here are some practical ways you can start strengthening empathy in your own professional life:
Active Listening
Put Yourself in Their Shoes
Embrace Vulnerability
Recognize Non-Verbal Cues
Practice Compassion
Why Empathy Is More Important Now Than Ever
As work culture continues to evolve, empathy becomes even more critical. With remote work, hybrid teams, and increasingly diverse workforces, it’s easy to feel disconnected or misunderstood. Empathy helps bridge these gaps. Moreover, empathy can be a game-changer in managing conflict. It’s easy to get bogged down by misunderstandings, but empathetic approaches to conflict resolution create an opportunity for mutual respect and collaboration
The Bottom Line: Empathy is a Competitive Advantage
Empathy isn’t just about being nice—it’s about creating a workplace that thrives on connection and respect.
So, whether you’re a manager trying to boost team morale or an employee looking to improve your relationships with colleagues, start with empathy. It’s a skill, not a superpower. It is no longer a “nice-to-have”—it’s a must-have. And yes, you can learn it!
Someone was Unkind to Me
Incivility – a silent threat, often manifested in subtle snubs, condescending remarks, or passive-aggressive behavior, a subtle yet pervasive issue, is taking a significant toll on employee engagement and patient experience.
Incivility—a silent threat often manifested in subtle snubs, condescending remarks, or passive-aggressive behavior—is a subtle yet pervasive issue significantly impacting employee engagement and patient experience.
The impact on a company as a whole is astounding. From decreased employee engagement to diminished patient experience, and ultimately the financial implications, such as increased turnover, decreased productivity, higher healthcare costs associated with stress-related illnesses, and increased sick days, can all significantly impact an organization's bottom line.
A study by the Workplace Bullying Institute in 2017 revealed a staggering statistic: 98% of healthcare workers reported experiencing incivility, with 19% encountering it daily. Such widespread exposure to unkindness can lead to a host of negative outcomes. According to a 2022 survey, 76% of workers experience incivility at least once a month, and 78% witness it at least once a month.
According to Carnegie Mellon University’s Binyamin Cooper and colleagues (2022), rudeness constitutes a “low-intensity negative behavior that violates norms of civility” that can interfere with a person’s ability to get work done.
Building a Culture of Kindness: Why People Are Rude and Unkind (and Why It’s Not About You)
Try to believe that people are inherently good, and only do bad things in reaction to bad situations. Being unkind, more often than not, is a reaction to anger with ourselves or our perceived inadequacy. When you find people being rude to you in your everyday life, they are being mean to themselves.
They have likely convinced themselves that they are unworthy, which is the biggest tragedy. You don’t have to tolerate it when others are not nice, but it’s not something to take personally. You don’t have to internalize the meanness as a fault of your own. You can recognize that the rude person struggles with their problems and needs a way to cope. You cannot control the actions and behaviors of others, only your reactions to them.
“How people treat other people is a direct reflection of how they feel about themselves.”
If you are the unkind one, it is time for self-reflection. Why do you attack people? What are you trying to protect yourself from? The critical thing to remember, whether you are receiving or giving unkindness, is that you are inherently good, too, and what you or someone else tells you doesn't matter.
Healthcare organizations can improve employee engagement, enhance patient experience, and ultimately deliver high-quality care by taking proactive steps to foster a positive and supportive work environment.
“Whether you’re a CEO, a team leader, or a person from any walk of life trying to make a difference, you’re going to be judged for the little moments, so please make the most of them. In every interaction, you have a choice. Do you want to lift people up or hold them down? Who do you want to be?”