Empathic inquiry
Featured in the Using Emotional Intelligence at Work training manual
By Mike Bagshaw
Category: Emotional Intelligence
Credit price: 4 download credits (Single user)
This training activity focuses on empathy – the ability to see the world from the other’s point of view. The basic premise is that if we can understand others by sharing some of their emotional responses, we are more likely to be able to work with them in collaborative ways. Listening with empathy and communicating empathy, are the two key skills that will be explored in this training activity. Without empathy, people may use their Emotional Intelligence in manipulative and self-interested ways. The ability to read non-verbal indicators, to disclose strategically, and to probe into the other’s personal life, can be used in a malevolent way, to ‘weaken the opponent’ and to gain power. It is important that this training activity is seen as a counter to that possibility. As such, it is essential in any programme that develops Emotional Intelligence.
The training activity starts with a discussion about what empathy is, and agreement on a formal definition. The discussion develops into a consideration of the need for empathic skills in the modern workplace. At this point, you introduce listening as the core skill for developing empathy. Discuss and present the key attributes and skills of effective listening. This is followed by an exercise on listening at different levels (content, feeling and meaning). A presentation on facilitative questioning is followed by a second listening exercise to practise questioning skills. The next stage is to present and demonstrate the most powerful skill that communicates empathy – reflection. The final two exercises give participants the opportunity to practise reflection skills.
Who is it for: This training resource is intended for use by trainers to teach participants the basic empathy skills of generative listening, reflecting, and challenging, enabling them to demonstrate their understanding
| Resource Type: | Activity |
| Min Group Size: | 4 |
| Max Group Size: | 12 |
| Typical Duration: | 03:30:00 |
| No of Pages: | 23 |
Resources: View standard resources for Fenman training activities
Purpose: This training resource is intended for use by trainers in a range of people- and management development programmes that focus on resolving difficult life, career and work relationship issues. These could be coaching and mentoring skills, conflict management and resolution, principled negotiation, selling, or team working.
Download the training activity, Empathic inquiry as featured in the Fenman training manual; Using Emotional Intelligence at Work