Empathy includes the ability to understand how a person feels and what they might be thinking. This isn't easy. We often misinterpret physical movements and facial expressions; a smile can mean joy or exuberance, but it can also signal sadness. Building cognitive empathy is about making educated guesses. But it's worth the effort—because trying to understand others gets you a lot further than not trying. Before you engage with another person, consider what you know about them, and be willing to learn more. But keep in mind that your interpretation of another person’s mood, behavior, or thinking will be influenced by your prior experience and unconscious bias. Your instincts may be wrong. Don't be quick to assume or rush to judgment. After you engage with others, take time to consider any feedback they provide (written, verbal, body language). Doing so will help you better understand not only others and their personalities, but also how they perceive your thoughts and communication style. Read more in Ch 5 of my new book, "EQ Applied: The Real-World Guide to Emotional Intelligence": https://amzn.to/2sxFLho #Empathy #EmotionalIntelligence #EQ #leadership #management #BestAdvice #relationships #EQApplied #MakeEmotionsWorkForYouNotAgainstYou …see more