In this article, psychologist Paul Ekman explores the relationship between empathy, emotional resonance, and compassion. He describes the importance of recognizing emotions in others, distinguishes between different forms of emotional resonance, and outlines four expressions of compassion ranging from concern for family members to concern for all living beings.
Empathy over the Phone
Empathy over the phone can be more challenging than in person, but it is still possible to create connection, understanding, and trust. In this practical article, Doug Wojcieszak shares simple techniques for conveying empathy during difficult phone conversations, including active listening, reflecting understanding, expressing concern, and following through on commitments.
The Empathy Set App
Discover how The Empathy Set App helps individuals, couples, families, coaches, mediators, and teams identify feelings and needs, build emotional literacy, and communicate with greater empathy. This short video introduces the app and demonstrates how it transforms emotional awareness into meaningful conversation.
Kid tears card as powerful gesture on path to resolution facilitated by teacher!
In this short interview, educator Nona Ikeda shares how she used the Empathy Set to help two students resolve a conflict at a Northern California charter school. By identifying and communicating their feelings and needs, the students were able to move beyond blame and toward understanding and resolution.
Regenerating the Social Landscape, Transcending Polarization, Division and Conflict
In this conversation with Javier Rodriguez of KMUD Community Radio and the YMCA Retreat Center, John Ford explores the growing challenges of polarization, division, and conflict in contemporary society. The discussion examines how empathy, listening, dialogue, and conflict resolution skills can help individuals and communities move beyond entrenched positions toward greater understanding, connection, and collaboration.
Tips to Maximize Your Conflict Resolution Experience
Conflict resolution conversations rarely succeed by accident. Drawing on principles from mediation, negotiation, emotional intelligence, and empathic communication, John Ford outlines ten practical strategies that can help participants prepare effectively, communicate more clearly, listen more deeply, and increase the likelihood of reaching mutually beneficial agreements.
Empathy Requires us to...
Holding Space
Holding space is one of the most powerful gifts we can offer another person. It means remaining present, attentive, and nonjudgmental while someone shares their experience. Rather than fixing, advising, persuading, or evaluating, we create room for another person to feel heard, understood, and accepted.
Empathize with humanity, but...
Jeff Brown offers an important reminder that empathy does not require self-sacrifice. Understanding another person's experience does not mean abandoning our own needs, boundaries, or wellbeing. Healthy empathy combines compassion with discernment, allowing us to remain connected without exposing ourselves to harm.
The Importance of Empathy in Today's Volatile Culture
Drawing on the work of Richard Levick and Doug Wojcieszak, this reflection explores empathy as more than understanding another person's feelings and perspective. It considers empathy as grace: the willingness to resist quick judgment, recognize human imperfection, and create space for people to learn, grow, and evolve after mistakes.
The Tension Between Empathy and Assertiveness
Drawing on a classic article from the Negotiation Journal, John Ford explores the relationship between empathy and assertiveness in negotiation and conflict resolution. The piece examines empathy as accurate, nonjudgmental understanding, explains the role of perspective-taking, and highlights why feeling understood can dramatically shift relationships, reduce conflict, and improve decision-making.
Empathy as Hovering Stillness
Drawing on the teachings of Brian Yosef Schacter-Brooks, this reflection explores empathy not as fixing, rescuing, or advising, but as a practice of sustained presence. Through the metaphor of an eagle hovering over its young, empathy emerges as a balance between connection and non-attachment, remaining close enough to understand another's experience while allowing them the dignity of their own path.
Empathy and HR: The Practical Connection
How can HR professionals balance empathy and compliance? In this early exploration of workplace empathy, John Ford examines the growing recognition that empathy is not simply a personal virtue but a critical leadership skill. Drawing on the work of Daniel Goleman, Paul Ekman, Roman Krznaric, and workplace research, the article explores how organizations can combine accountability with compassion to build stronger relationships and more effective workplaces.
How is empathy defined?
In the first post published on The Empathy Set blog, John Ford reflects on his early encounters with empathy as a mediator and trainer. Drawing on a definition from Roman Krznaric, he explores empathy as the practice of understanding another person's feelings and perspective, and allowing that understanding to inform compassionate action.