Empathy for the organization

In the first place, it is not important what the organization wants, it is what the stakeholders want. In the second place, it is about the question of which wishes suit the organization, can you meet them and what value does that provide for the organization. It is important for a stakeholder to feel heard. If the organization focuses on ideas that come from within, instead of focusing on solutions to actual problems, it can create friction. That is why you need to research the market and the needs of the stakeholders. If this has been properly researched, you can propose a correct solution. But if you haven’t explored the needs of the stakeholders you interact with, the focus is on the wrong needs. Thanks to empathy, you shift the focus from yourself to the other and organizations can reach their full potential.

Developing Empathic Ability

It is possible to develop your empathy. It has to do with how you position yourself, whether you show interest in people and connect with others.

We have listed a number of tips for you to develop your empathy:

• Get to know yourself better and reflect on it. Find out how you feel and how this affects your attitude and behavior. When you recognize yourself, your character and behavior, you can also better understand other people;
• Read lots of books and watch movies. You can then more easily put yourself in a person’s position;
• Be open to criticism. This creates an open atmosphere that makes communication with others easier;
• Do not respond immediately. Think before you say anything. It can quickly lead to regret if you have said something and did not mean it that way;
• Ask questions about topics you are really interested in;
• Listen actively. Ask questions and share your own experiences on the subject.