with Preethi Fernando | preethifernando.com
Here are four key differences between feeling sorry for someone and feeling empathy for someone in the workplace:
- Feeling Sorry: You see the other person as a victim. The focus is often on their misfortune, and there may be a sense of pity, which can create a sense of distance or hierarchy (e.g., “I’m glad I’m not in their shoes”).
- Feeling Empathy: You relate to their emotions by trying to understand their situation from their perspective. Empathy builds connection by acknowledging their feelings as valid without diminishing their agency.
- Feeling Sorry: The emotional response tends to be surface-level, often focused on your own feelings of discomfort or helplessness (e.g., “That’s sad”).
- Feeling Empathy: Empathy involves a deeper emotional engagement, where you actively tune in to what the person is experiencing and reflect their emotions (e.g., “I can imagine how stressful that must feel”).
- Feeling Sorry: Often leads to passive reactions, such as expressing condolences or avoiding the situation altogether, without necessarily taking steps to help.
- Feeling Empathy: Encourages proactive support, such as offering a listening ear, practical solutions, or collaborating to improve the situation.
4. Impact on Relationship:
- Feeling Sorry: May unintentionally create a sense of separation or condescension, as it can come across as disempowering or dismissive.
- Feeling Empathy: Fosters mutual respect and understanding, strengthening workplace relationships and promoting collaboration.
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