Practicing Empathy to Build Connection

Photo credit to Misha Safran, Canva, & Midjourney, Logo credit to Misha Safran & Christi Williford

Empathy isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about being willing to feel with, not just for, someone else. When we cultivate empathy, we expand our capacity to connect beyond assumptions, roles, or even discomfort. It’s what helps us shift from “What’s wrong with them?” to “What might they be going through?”—and, that shift is where inclusion lives and breathes.

Workplaces thrive when people feel seen, heard, valued, and understood, not just for what they do, but for who they are. Empathy allows us to meet others with curiosity and care, even when we don’t fully understand their experience. It’s not about perfection. It’s about presence. It's not about excuses. It's about empowering connections. And, it's not about agreement. It's about taking the time to be curious. It takes time to save time. More on that another issue!

💜 Quick Tips (and Why They Matter) 💜

Try the “One-Minute Empathy Hack”: Ask yourself, “What might this person be feeling right now?” This quick pause helps move us from reaction to reflection and opens the door to connection.

Use language that validates emotions, such as: “That sounds really hard” or “I imagine that might have felt frustrating.” These kinds of responses build trust and psychological safety—two essentials for inclusive relationships.

Hold back from offering advice for just 60 seconds longer than usual. Simply listening, without jumping in to fix, is a powerful way to let someone know they matter.

💭 Reflection Questions

When was the last time someone’s empathy made me feel truly seen?

How often do I slow down enough to connect with what someone else might be experiencing?

With empathy and joy,

Misha Safran

PS: Want to deepen empathy on your team? Let’s explore how leadership rooted in compassion can transform communication and connection. I’d love to support your journey. Let's Connect!

Land Acknowledgement: Born on the land of the Anacostans, Piscataway, and Pamunkey peoples. Currently living on Karkin ​Ohlone land.

All are valued in my practice: BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, humans of all backgrounds and ages. Through sharing my pronouns, I hope to support a safer and braver space for all professionals to share their pronouns.

#empathy #emotionalIntelligence #wellbeing #duality #resilience #educators #teachers #doctors #humanresources #healthyworkplace #conflict #disputeresolution #both #yes-and