The Benefits Of Empathy In The Workplace

Abraham Lincoln once wrote, “When I get ready to talk to people, I spend two thirds of the time thinking what they want to hear and one third thinking about what I want to say.” Empathy is used in the majority of our communication with others. It is used in the workplace, in schools, in the theatre, and in our day-to-day lives. Creativity is also affected by it. Without empathy, people wouldn’t be able to have compassion for each other or understand their artistic expression. There are disadvantages to empathy. In some cases, too much of it causes a person to ironically be isolated emotionally. It may also be dangerous if the person is empathetic for a complete stranger, putting their emotions and physical state before confirming they are safe to be around. Empathy 's role in creativity is one where the benefits heavily outweigh the disadvantages throughout its use in the workplace, in the performing arts, in the workplace, and in schools.
Dr. Rick Hanson defines empathy as a “feeling and understanding how it is for another person.” (2007, p.1). Emotion is heavily linked to creativity. Munt (2009) found that, “Creativity can be fuelled by emotion...” and that “Emotion and creativity are intertwined…” (p. 8). Without the passion and emotion guiding and pushing them, humans wouldn’t be able to create their content. Without the emotion behind the work, creators would not feel appreciated for their work. Empathy has the chance of bringing forth great teamwork through