In this present era, it is important to show that you care about the pain others feel, as failing to do so can stall your ambitions, whether you are trying to build a successful business or rise in the ranks of the corporation/field in which you are employed.
Most folks harbor a deep dislike for commercial concerns these days due to the malfeasance of players like United Airlines and other companies that deliver the same or reduced services for a greater price.
If you are able to demonstrate to people that you actually are on their side, you will have an advantage that is nearly unbeatable.
Robert Bassam has prided himself on having an exceptionally high EQ, or emotional intelligence, for years now.
From securing vehicles actually fit the needs of his clients, to being an enthusiastic patron of several charities in his area, Robert has achieved a social credibility that has boosted his bottom line in addition to his own sense of self-worth.
Having a high EQ is not a juggling act: it pervades every aspect of your life. It led Robert to keep his fancier cars in storage during the Great Recession, as he didn’t feel it was right for him to flaunt his wealth as many others were losing their homes and counting the days until their unemployment benefits ran out.
Want to enhance your EQ? Below, we’ll talk about some mindset shifters you can use to increase the amount of empathy you have towards others.
1) How would it feel if you were them?
While you have probably never felt like what it means to lack the essentials in life, you can use your mental faculties to insert yourself into that situation.
When you have to pay the rent, but you don’t have enough left over for food or the power bill, you can quickly see how being trapped in poverty keeps you in a constant state of insecurity.
As such, you can better understand how someone in this predicament would have a hard time using their creative faculties to get a better job or start a business, as they are busy just trying to survive.
By being honest about what less fortunate people face day-to-day, you will be able to shift your perspective on many issues.
2) Enter their world
Don’t limit yourself to just thinking about the lot of the less fortunate. Put yourself in their midst, and you’ll see, hear, and feel the pain they struggle with on a daily basis.
You can see what it is like to live below the poverty line for a month, spend time cooking and serving meals for the homeless, or by traveling to lesser-developed countries which do without many of the things we take for granted.
This will allow to feel what they are feeling in a more visceral way than just thinking about the situation, so be sure to do something along these lines if you have the opportunity.
3) Develop an insatiable curiosity about other people
Ever wonder why people end up the way they do? With a bit of tact and courage, simply asking them can yield knowledge that you would never come up with or read on your own.
Listen intently to their answers so you can ask follow-up questions. Doing this will deepen your understanding of their perspective and build their trust in you.
