085 Understanding empathy

Welcome to the Fail Forward podcast.

 

This podcast episode is an ode to my wife, the most empathetic person I know.

 

I wasn’t very good at showing empathy before I met Sarah and, if I’m totally honest, it’s taken me a while to master even with her support.

 

Before my business went under, I’d come home from a day at work feeling incredibly frustrated by mistakes people were making. 

 

After moaning to Sarah, she would often say ‘Have you asked them if they’re ok?’, she would explain that people often don’t choose to act out. I found that when I started to ask how they were, I began to better understand their situation. 

 

From a business perspective, we all have standards that we expect our employees to adhere to. Whether it’s timeliness, dressing smartly or general courtesy to others.

 

By being empathetic, you’re not saying a drop in these standards is ok. Instead, you’re giving them the time and support they need to improve.

 

In this episode I talk about a time where I learnt there can be opportunity in empathy. As much as you don’t show empathy for personal gain, it often leads to more personable interactions and relationship building. 

 

Listen now and start approaching situations with an empathetic mindset. The next time someone cuts you up when you’re driving or forgets common courtesies, consider what they might be in a rush for or what their situation might be. 

 

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