Inclusion (HBR Emotional Intelligence Series)

6

Tap into Empathy

By Irina Cozma

Treat others as you would like to be treated.”

How often did you hear this phrase while growing up? After stealing another kid’s toy or hurting someone’s feelings, your parents were likely quick to remind you of the “Golden Rule.” For many of us, this was our first introduction to the concept of empathy. And there’s a good chance you’re still (consciously or unconsciously) using this phrase as a guidepost for how you show up.

But in our modern workplace, with all our different preferences, cultural backgrounds, professional disciplines, ages, genders, sexual orientations, and so on, treating others as you would like to be treated isn’t always the best option. Although it can be helpful to put yourself in someone ...