Empathy and sympathy are two terms that are often used interchangeably. But only one of them allows people to connect deeper than surface level. Which should you practice? Let’s explore how empathy and sympathy differ and why one is a better tool to help you connect with others at work and in life.
Repeat in your own words
Do not just repeat what someone has said, but make sure you are echoing what they have said.
Difference between empathy and sympathy
Pathos can mean “emotion” or “feelings”
Compassion vs. empathy
Compassion and empathy are often used interchangeably
- They both come with a desire and ability to connect with someone else and feel their pain
- To effectively help someone else, you should be able to manage those empathetic feelings so that they don’t overwhelm you
A friend who needs emotional support
Empathy instead requires you to put your own feelings aside and focus on the other person.
- Only by listening, you’ll find out what they’re looking for
- Instead, redirect the conversation to be about you, and try to find what makes them feel comfortable.
Empathy vs sympathy examples
Imagine someone in your place of work was just reprimanded. If you were to express sympathy, you could tell them that you’re sorry that they’re going through this.
- With empathy, you feel the sadness, nervousness, and disappointment the other person feels. You care about their well-being.
4 ways to practice empathy
70% of CEOs struggle to demonstrate empathy at work consistently
- 68% of them also believe they’ll be less respected if they show empathy in the workplace
- Only 25% of employees say that empathy in their organizations is sufficient
- 90% of Gen Z employees are more likely to stay at their jobs if their employer is empathetic
Empathy vs sympathy: key characteristics
Understanding the differences between empathy and sympathy can help you choose the most appropriate one given your circumstances
- While empathy supports a deeper connection, there are times when a sympathetic response is more fitting
- Here is an overview of both types of empathy and how they differ
Empathy vs sympathy: know the difference
Sympathy is an expected sentiment. But empathy goes beyond what people expect
What is sympathy?
Having thoughts about what someone feels
- When in conversation, giving unasked advice
- Passing judgment
- Ignoring or suppressing your own emotions
- Sympathy can also lead someone to give unsolicited advice to help the other person deal with their emotions
Prioritize emotional intelligence
Emotional intelligence is an important soft skill to practice in your workplace if you want to improve empathy.
Understand what the other person needs
Use your listening skills to figure out what they need.
Listen actively instead of focusing on what to say next
Pay close attention to what someone is telling you. Listen attentively, not just for their words, but for other non-verbal cues.
- When the other person is finished speaking, take a moment to process the information. Only once you’ve processed all nuances of the conversation should you focus on what you want to say.
Which is better: sympathy or empathy?
Sympathy doesn’t help you build deep connections with other people
Someone in grief
Showing empathy requires a lot more than offering your condolences. It also takes effort to be there for them and offer them the support they need.
- Imagine yourself in the grieving person’s shoes and try to imagine yourself putting yourself in their shoes.
A coworker struggling to keep up
While you did help them, you didn’t take the time to connect with how they felt.
- By listening fully to what they have to say, you help them feel heard and supported. As a result, this coworker is now better able to focus afterward.
What is empathy?
Empathy is the ability to understand and share a person’s feelings
- Actively listening to what someone else feels
- Not judging
- Being aware of nuances and non-verbal cues
- Discovering their perspective
- Acknowledging everyone’s feelings
Member discussion: