Page 34 - Demo

: Do you think empathy has become more important in this time of all these coexisting crises? We’ve got the pandemic, racial and social injustice, a really divisive election, the stress around people getting vaccinated, etc. Do you think empathy is more important now than previously?
: Yes, but I think it’s always been important, and I think it’s something that we always should have focused on more than we probably did. I think the conjunction of all these different crises has shined the spotlight on empathy, so hopefully now that it’s more top of mind for people, as things start to smooth out, we will continue to have this more empathetic mindset and focus vs. just going back to the way things used to be. I hope it stays top of mind for people and that we show more understanding and grace. “Grace” has kind of been my word of the last year: showing grace to people because I don’t know where they’re at. I really hope that this is something we continue to focus on as we move forward.
: Do you ever feel like there are instances where empathy can be awkward?
: I can be a bit of an overthinker. In trying to show empathy and put myself in someone else’s shoes, I sometimes spend a little too much time in my own head. I sometimes worry if I am really getting into the right pair of shoes! Like I mentioned earlier, I’m never going to be able to fully relate to an experience or how someone feels about an experience, because I haven’t had that same history. So, I can over analyze things, and that can make empathy a little awkward.
: Looking ahead, what are your aspirations for empathy, in your workforce and in the world at large?
: By now, we recognize how important empathy is and what a difference it can make
in the world. I think it just brings more understanding and grace for life. For example, I don’t have kids, so the virtual school thing hasn’t impacted me directly, but I have a sister who has kids and I have a brother who has a toddler, plus I was a teacher once upon a time. All those different pieces kind of give me a little bit of a dip of the toe into what virtual schooling could be like. So, when I’m on a meeting with somebody and their kids are running wild in the background, I’ve asked to meet the kids! We just work it into the meeting. There’s no real training emergency and nothing we’re talking about is going to end the world, so we just take it one day at a time. That attitude makes things so much nicer and more relaxed in my work environment, with people being flexible and giving that grace and understanding. I’ve loved getting to meet people’s kids (and their cats and their dogs). It’s always felt like a family at work, but it feels even more like a family after the past year, with everyone being so understanding and kind to each other. I hope that continues, and I hope it spreads.
I just think the world would be a lot better place if we put more focus on having
empathy for one another.
33