In this week’s video blog our expert guide, Nick Gonzales, discusses the difference between empathy and sympathy.

When we empathize with someone – you truly care about that person, understand that individual’s situation and feel with him or her.  However, when we sympathize with someone, not only do we do all the above, but we are also going down that same road with them and enabling or supporting any bad habit or situation along the way.

In the business world it is imperative that Leaders care enough to empathize without sympathizing and enabling bad habits or situations.  A tool that is useful both at work and at home is to say, “I love (or care about you) too much for you to stay the same….”  Saying this to those around us is difficult and takes courage.

• Are you empathizing or sympathizing with those around you?

• What would happen if you said this to them?  What will happen if you don’t?

• How can you give the best of yourself to others and help them without “going down the path with them”?

If you need help having the tough conversations with people on you team, give our expert guides a call at 800-786-4332 or email JSabatini@AppliedVisionWorks.com.  Your success is in plain sight.  It just takes determination and action and only takes 30 minutes to get started!