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The Skills of Empathy (based on the work of Daniel Goleman)

Type of Empathy Visual Description Positives Negatives

Cognitive Empathy An ability to get into Can adapt own words
the mind and and actions easily to
Also known as Theory of Without emotional
feelings of others. meet the needs of
Mind. empathy, cognitive
To be able to see others. Communicates
I know how another person another’s in a way that others can empathy can be used
might view something. perspective. make sense of things. to manipulate and take
advantage of others.
Sometimes called Can persuade, convince
‘I can think what they think’
‘Theory of Mind’. and inspire.

Emotional Empathy Creates a sense of
rapport, connection
Also known as ‘affective The ability to ‘feel’ and harmony with Emotional empathy
empathy’. and gain a real people. needs self-

sense of the management skills or
I can feel what another
person is feeling. emotions the other Crucial for effective can lead to emotional
person is feeling. exhaustion.
‘I can feel what they feel’ teams and positive
partnerships.

Compassionate Empathy Leads to people helping
others; provides the
Also known as Empathic The desire and impetus for If not teamed with self-
Concern. willingness to constructive feedback – awareness and good
self-management skills,
I have a desire for the other support and care for the wish for others to can lead to the need to
person / people to feel good. others. improve and achieve ‘rescue’ others.
well.
‘I want them to feel good’
Vital for a civil society.