The Art of Communicating With Empathy

The past few weeks have challenged all of us — and confronted us with several highly-charged events.

The mass shootings in Buffalo and Uvalde. The Jan. 6 hearings. Primary elections. Economic uncertainty. The Supreme Court’s forthcoming decision on Roe v. Wade.

Each of these events are fueling strong emotions and raising the “us vs. them” rhetoric that dominates social media channels, cable television and politics.

While it may feel satisfying to blast those whose opinions don’t match ours on these issues, it’s difficult to make progress if we vilify those who disagree.

This week, we have had the opportunity to interview residents and leaders in two Georgia communities who have been part of a foundation-led effort to improve rural health.

Interview subjects have been young and old. Rich and poor. Black and White. Liberal and conservative.

All of them have been bound together by a shared goal — and have spent the past five years listening to each other, learning from each other and working together.

In doing so, they’re getting exposed to different viewpoints and experiences.

And one common theme has stood out. Each person — regardless of their politics or background — has a better understanding of and empathy for people they had previously seen as uncaring or ill-informed.

These conversations have given us a sense of hope, even during a very dark time.

As communicators, we have the power to bring people together by modeling empathy and finding opportunities to listen to and engage with those who are open to learning new perspectives.

It requires more effort to communicate this way – and, at times, it may feel less satisfying.

But whether you work in social good or in the for-profit work, the results will be better long term.