“All you need to do is….” When people say things like that, if you are like me, you often tune them out…and maybe write them off. Relationships thrive when we can be empathetic with others…not when we give un-requested advice or pep talks.

Brene Brown describes empathy as getting into another person’s well. I love this description…rather than telling someone to “cheer up” or what they need to do they are with the person…as they are. This may look like being there when someone is grieving…or maybe celebrating with them when something good happens for them.

In the EQi2.0 empathy is described as “recognizing, understanding and appreciating how other people feel…being able to articulate your understanding of another’s perspective and behaving in a way that respects others’ feelings”. When we can show up that way to others our relationships grow….trust develops…and when appropriate we may be asked for that advice or encouragement…or we may need some and it will be safe to receive that.

When you are at work this week try to be a bit more empathetic and watch the trust and team work build…just another example of treating others the way we would like to be treated ourselves.