GREATEST HITS: The Science of Empathy, with Stanford Professor Jamil Zaki
Sep 16, 2024
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Stanford psychology professor Jamil Zaki dives into the fascinating world of empathy and its vital role in our professional and personal connections. He argues that empathy is not just an innate trait but a skill that can be cultivated, discussing practical strategies to enhance it in our lives. Zaki examines how digital tools and technologies, including AI and virtual reality, influence empathy today. He also explores how tribalism and broader identities can shape our willingness to connect, making a compelling case for empathy as a driver of business success.
Empathy is a skill that can be cultivated over time, challenging the belief that it is an innate, unchangeable trait.
Reframing thoughts away from black and white thinking can foster empathy by revealing the complexities behind differing perspectives.
Shared identity can enhance empathy, as people are more likely to connect when identified with broader categories rather than narrower ones.
Deep dives
The Science of Empathy as a Skill
Empathy is not an innate trait; rather, it is a skill that can be cultivated and developed over time. Although many individuals hold a 'fixist' belief that empathy is unchangeable, research indicates that people can and do evolve, adapting their capacity for empathy as they grow. This 'mobileist' perspective suggests that humans have the ability to change their emotional responses and interpersonal relationships actively. The implications of this are substantial, as enhancing empathy can lead to improved connections with colleagues, clients, and other stakeholders in various aspects of life.
The Challenge of Black and White Thinking
Black and white thinking often leads to dehumanization and increased divisiveness among individuals, making it difficult to empathize with those holding differing beliefs or perspectives. By simplifying complex issues into dichotomies, individuals lose sight of the underlying motivations and experiences that shape each person's viewpoint. A more constructive approach involves reframing thoughts to consider the nuances of each situation, fostering empathy by exploring how and why people arrive at their beliefs. In doing so, individuals can enhance their ability to connect and engage with others, thereby reducing polarization in discussions.
Expanding Empathy through Shared Identities
The power of shared identity plays a critical role in fostering empathy across groups. Research illustrates that groups are less likely to exhibit altruism towards those classified as 'others,' such as fans of rival sports teams. For example, Manchester United fans showed a stark difference in their willingness to help an injured person based on the jersey worn by the jogger. However, when these fans were reminded to identify as soccer fans rather than solely as supporters of one team, their willingness to help extended to all soccer enthusiasts, demonstrating that broader categories of identity can enhance feelings of empathy and community.
Intrinsic Motivation to Foster Empathy
For individuals and organizations to cultivate empathetic relationships, intrinsic motivation towards understanding and connecting with others is crucial. Empathy can be enhanced through curiosity and intentional engagement with people from different backgrounds. Simple practices, like preparing questions to understand colleagues' experiences or feelings, can significantly improve workplace dynamics. By focusing on personal connections and empathetic exchanges, people can create a culture of support and collaboration instead of competition and divisiveness.
The Role of Technology in Empathy
Emerging technologies, particularly virtual and augmented reality, offer new avenues for enhancing empathy, provided that individuals have the willingness to use them for this purpose. While these tools can provide immersive experiences, allowing users to see the world from different perspectives, they can only be effective if there is a pre-existing motivation to empathize. Therefore, although technology can enrich our understanding of others' experiences, it does not replace the fundamental need for genuine emotional connection and understanding. By leveraging technology while fostering an environment of empathy, we can make strides towards building more inclusive communities.
Originally aired August 2023: Stanford psychology professor Jamil Zaki shares his research and findings around the science of empathy – and how we can apply this to improving our relationships with colleagues, clients, customers, co-founders, and business and investing cohorts.
Zaki is the director of the Stanford Social Neuroscience Lab, and the author of “The War For Kindness.”
We'll break down the science. We talk about why empathy matters in business, investments, and in career growth, and we’ll discuss its digital age dynamics. How does AI impact the way in which we relate to others?
If you want to learn the science of emotional intelligence, and how to apply this to your career and business interactions, you’ll learn a lot from today’s episode.
