Empathy for workplace kindness

There is so much division in the world today. People are angry and downright hostile to others who do not share their beliefs or that have different perspectives. The binary notion of being right or wrong often leads to mean-spirit exchanges, especially online, where text-based communication can amplify misunderstandings and make this even worse. But you can make a difference. And that difference starts with your empathy and how you frame your own lens on the world. In your workplace, you are likely to encounter people who are different than you. You'll find that people have different ideas about politics or about how the world should work, religion, economics, or even what it means to be a moral or good person in society. Ultimately, it doesn't matter what the difference is. What matters is that you can use your empathy to help you understand where others are coming from and to accept that these differences are okay. And in fact, this diversity is a very good thing. Work to build a culture of inclusivity and respect. And remember that while some of the users of the products you're designing for or researching may be a lot like you, many may be very different. So being able to harmonize differences in your workplace and build bonds will help both those around you feel better about where they work and who they are working with and help create a culture of empathy for product users as new products are designed. Being empathetic means being an active listener. When engaging with coworkers, especially during disagreements, listen fully and attentively, not just hearing the words they speak, but understanding the emotions and intentions behind them. Being empathetic also means communicating with compassion as you imagine how your words may come across. Remember that with text-based communication, it's easy for messages to be misinterpreted. Strive to communicate with compassion and clarity. Use positive language and be mindful of your tone. When giving feedback, focus on constructive and gentle criticism. Your goal is to uplift and encourage others and avoid making them ever feel bad about themselves. Being empathetic means modeling positive behavior as you imagine the impact of your actions on your coworkers. Demonstrate kindness, patience, and understanding in your interactions. Acknowledge and celebrate the achievements of your colleagues and offer support when they face challenges. Being empathetic means that you regularly express appreciation for your colleagues as you imagine how this will help them feel good about themselves. This could be a short note of appreciation through email or perhaps public recognition of a job well done. In a world where divisive rhetoric can easily overshadow kindness, it is crucial to make a conscious effort to be kind, especially in the workplace. In doing so, you can not only enhance your own professional relationships and those of your colleagues, but you also help your company. And just as importantly, you'll play a small part in contributing to a more compassionate and understanding world.