Quick Point on Empathy

I’ve been doing quite a lot of research and training lately on empathy.

Needless to say, I think it is one of the most important words in existence, and it is even more important to practice it- regardless of your profession. Even the NYPD is teaching empathy in their Smart Policing training for all of their patrol officers (really- see here and here from Commissioner Bratton).

For conflict resolution professionals, and everyone else working with people involved in conflicts and disputes, here’s a short friendly reminder of why empathy is so important:

EMPATHY

“Empathy should not be confused with sympathy,
which indicates pity.
In crisis intervention,
the goal is not to feel sorry for the person in crisis, but to
establish a relationship through effective communication whereby positive steps can be taken toward
resolving the crisis in a collaborative fashion.”

                       

Jeff Thompson

Jeff Thompson, Ph.D., is a professor at Lipscomb University, researcher, mediator, and trainer. He is also involved in crisis and hostage negotiation as well as a law enforcement detective. His research includes law enforcement crisis and hostage negotiation in terrorist incidents. He received his doctorate from Griffith University Law School… MORE >