Having empathy is an extremely important people skill. Empathy drives design thinking and helps build positive relationships and connections. Being able to put yourself in someone else’s shoes is not always easy, but it’s valuable as an educator because of the diverse backgrounds in which our students are being raised. Kids don't care how much we know until they know we care. Empathy is the driver of building relationships where we show we care.
In an article by MindTools, they suggest several ways to use empathy effectively, and most importantly, how to do it through listening. When students want to talk, or when we ask a question of a student, it’s important that we stop what we’re doing and really listen.
- Listen with your ears – what is being said, and what tone is being used?
- Listen with your eyes – what is the person doing with his or her body while speaking?
- Listen with your instincts – do you sense that the person is not communicating something important?
- Listen with your heart – what do you think the other person feels?
If you can't play the video above on your device, click HERE.
Four qualities of empathy as shared by Brene Brown, about Theresa Wiseman’s work:
1. To see the world as others see it
2. Stay out of judgment
3. Understand another person’s feelings
4. Communicate others’ feelings and validate them
Helping kids to feel heard and truly connected takes empathy. Empathy is skill that improves with practice, so let’s share a listening, caring ear and get to practicing!
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