Being empathetic favors meaningful exchanges between colleagues and productivity.

In an increasingly competitive and individualizing context, empathy has become the word that rescues us to other possible ways of living in society. According to Australian philosopher Roman Krznaric, author of the book “The power of empathy: The art of putting yourself in someone else's shoes to transform the world”, more than “walking in someone else's shoes”, the term designates the ability to “finding shared humanity.”

According to the philosopher, the resource is important for creating good relationships, something fundamental in any work environment. But for a person to actually be empathetic, they need to have an open mindset and improve their ability to 'listen empathically'.

In practice, this means giving others the opportunity to open up and listen carefully to what they have to say. It is also important to consider the feelings and needs that the interlocutor transmits, even if unconsciously.

Neuropsychologist and master in human development processes, Fabrício Almeida, explains that empathy reflects the perception of the other's needs and will. In this way, interpersonal understanding is combined as a method of understanding the individuals that make up a group.

Although both characteristics are necessary, especially in the job market, Brazil occupies 51st position out of 63 nations analyzed in the world ranking of empathetic countries, according to research from the University of Michigan.

How to develop empathy:

Putting the skill into practice brings significant returns to interpersonal and professional relationships. Empathy makes it possible to create more constructive relationships, in which exchanges are constant between the parties.

In the workplace, it is directly linked to productivity, as professionals have space to share information and learning. “We think of efficiency as being rational and empathy as being emotional. However, these things always work together”, highlights Krznaric.

Exame Magazine brought together tips from philosopher Krznaric and neuropsychologist Fabrício to develop empathy. Check it out below:

1. Put yourself in context

The practice of putting yourself in someone else's shoes is fundamental to improving empathy and interpersonal understanding, says the neuropsychologist. “We live in a society that increasingly isolates human beings and makes them self-centered.

So, the first thing to do to develop these skills is to be in a social place, like a group or team. Professionals who work from home, for example, are less likely to receive social feedback and develop these interpersonal skills”, he points out.

2. Develop self-knowledge

Seeking self-knowledge is also a valuable tool for strengthening empathy and interpersonal understanding. “If you know your limits, know how to base your opinions and have strengthened self-esteem, you end up not depriving yourself of getting into situations that could call into question what you believe. Consequently, this increases the probability of exchange with other people and this encourages empathy”, analyzes Fabrício.

3. Foster your curiosity about others

“Develop your curiosity about strangers by talking to a stranger once a week. Talk to someone who is different from you – the woman who sells you a newspaper or bread every morning. Try to move beyond superficial talk, because it's about finding shared humanity, challenging assumptions.

4. “Listen” to feelings

“Think 'how can I practice empathy in my everyday relationships?' In particular, listening empathically. How can I really listen to my coworker, and really practice the skill of listening to people's feelings and needs.