This Week with Introspective
The definition of Empathic from the Skills Discovery:
You have a natural connection with other people.
You are very finely tuned in to the emotions of others and feel what they are feeling.
You love to put yourself in another person's shoes, to experience the same emotions and feelings as they are.
Questions to help you bring this strength to life:
When did putting yourself in someone else's shoes change how you handled a situation?
Where does your empathy help most — and where does it wear you out?
Who in your life feels most understood by you, and why?
Resources of the Week
Video
The power of empathy: Helen Riess at TEDxMiddlebury
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Harvard psychiatrist Dr. Helen Riess draws on her neuroscience research to explain how empathy works in the brain and why it can be taught.
By Dr. Helen Riess
Quiz
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Practicing mental contrasting can enhance self-discipline & lead to more effective problem-solving in pursuit of personal & professional aspirations.
By Greater Good Magazine
Podcast
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In the fifth episode of a special “Dare to Lead” series with Adam Grant, Brené and Adam break down the skillsets of empathy, empathy misses, and how empathy is trickier than walking in someone else’s shoes.
By Adam Grant and Brené Brown
Strength Story: Zeke
The Strength of Empathic
Zeke's Empathy strength shows up in the way he naturally tunes into what others are experiencing. When a workplace misunderstanding left a coworker feeling left out, Zeke took the time to consider their perspective and initiated a second conversation that deepened their trust. But he's also learned the downside: absorbing emotions that aren't his own, like feeling a stranger's disappointment at missing a train as if it were his own.
His takeaway is simple: pause before reacting, and remember that caring for someone doesn't always mean carrying their feelings yourself.
Fact of the Week
Empathy is considered one of the strongest predictors of effective leadership and healthy relationships.
Leaders who demonstrate empathy tend to build higher trust, stronger collaboration, and greater engagement. (Center for Creative Leadership)
Ready to bring more connection into your daily life?
Our Introspective cards are designed to help you tap into your strengths with small, powerful reflections each day. Rooted in Positive Psychology, each deck sparks intentional reflection to support daily growth, self-awareness, and confidence.
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