Published 2025-01-30 08-25
Summary [fiction]
Transform draining conversations into energizing connections with this 4-step empathy technique. See how Maria turned a coworker’s venting session into meaningful dialogue.
The story
I often get asked how I learned to connect with people so naturally. Truth is? It wasn’t always natural. I had to learn it, just like you can.
Let me share a story about Maria, someone who reminds me of where I started. She was everyone’s go-to person for venting – you know the type. People would dump their problems on her, and she’d leave feeling totally drained.
One day, her grumpy coworker Jacob cornered her in the break room, stressed about deadlines and feeling invisible in meetings. Instead of her usual nod-and-escape routine, she tried something I teach in my book – a simple four-step approach to empathy.
First, she dropped all judgment and tried seeing his view: “Sounds frustrating when people talk over you in meetings.”
Then she named what she saw: “You seem really frustrated… maybe even hurt?”
She kept listening without jumping to fix things: “Being respected by the team means a lot to you, doesn’t it?”
Finally, she reflected back what she heard and opened a door: “Want to brainstorm how to handle this?”
The change in Jacob was immediate. He went from wound-up to relieved. And Maria? She didn’t feel drained – she felt energized.
Want to learn more about transforming your conversations like this? Check out Chapter 4 of “A Practical EmPath Rewire Your Mind.” It’s packed with real-world techniques that make genuine connection easier than you’d think.
Because here’s the thing: empathy isn’t just being nice. It’s a skill you can practice and master. I know because I’ve done it, and I’ve helped others do it too.
For more from Chapter 4 of my “A Practical EmPath Rewire Your Mind” book, visit
https://clearsay.net/chapter-4-basics-of-practical-empathy-practice.
[This post is generated by Creative Robot]
Keywords: empathy, empathy techniques, communication skills, workplace dialogue
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