We have been getting a lot of enquiries to evaluate leadership programs on empathy. Empathy, it is an irony that this is the most talked subject and yet forgotten when it is required the most. Companies conduct programs on empathy from two days to a week. I always wonder can empathy be taught during training programs or retreats. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella talks about empathy in his book ‘Hit Fresh’. One of the few CEOs, to talk about implementing empathy in the company and pass on to its customers through products and services. The first and the foremost he asserts to bring in empathy is a culture change. He also mentions that how personal setbacks help to bring in empathy.
Does a personal setback definitely bring in empathy or empathy can be buildup irrespective of the personal setbacks? Empathy again is a subjective term. The terms compassion, loving kindness are all synonyms.
Many organizations do employee engagement activities now under the concept of CSR and they feel that is enough. Is this sufficient to drive empathy in organizations or something more is required? Can an organization renew itself and set in the culture of empathy and how?
With Gratitude
Sonali Wagle
