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Do you ever put yourself in the other person’s shoes?
It is this ability to have an understanding of others’ experiences and perspectives, their beliefs, feelings, experiences, and intentions that is critical when collaborating with others.
It helps us to form bonds, establish trust and create a supportive environment; this results in greater strength when tackling complex challenges such the climate crisis, sustainability, and working towards that all-important new and better normal.
After all,
“The test of a first-rate intelligence is the ability to hold two opposed ideas in mind at the same time and still retain the ability to function.” – F. Scott Fitzgerald
We see it all the time!
Our network of sustainability peers and friends show empathy and compassion all the time. Just a few examples of our Warp It heroes include:
Paula Massey, a reuse hero who upcycles disability aids while running a mobility training business. There is so much need in the community and matching up unwanted items to those in need is Paula's speciality. Just one example of her work is when she helped Colin, a homeless man who had had a damaged wheelchair. Within 24 hours of being asked, Paula delivered Carl a wheelchair saving it from being scrapped in the process.
Alexis Percival, Environmental and Sustainability Manager for Yorkshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust, who tirelessly works to eliminate single use plastic PPE, including aprons, gowns, gloves, face shields and goggles, and work towards a greener NHS.
And MedAID, a charity is on a mission to bridge the gap between surplus medical devices in the UK and the shortage of medical equipment in resource-limited countries. Their hard work is paying off as they rapidly expand their operations and close the gap between excess and shortage.
We just love these inspiring stories of everyday compassion, which include a pet detective, a secret Santa, and a tutor for kids living in a troubled area.
Luckily, there are more stories about empathetic and compassionate people than we could dare to imagine – you can find lots over on the Good News Network and Positive News.
Simply put, it will radically increase success - especially when collaborating with others.
How does it work?
Increasingly, evidence suggests how we understand people involves mimicking others’ experiences, as highlighted in this article. So, the next time you’re stuck in a disagreeable conversation, consider changing your attitude. Instead of waiting to disagree or move on, attempt to see things from the other person’s point of view, imagine you are them and pretend you see things exactly the way they do.
Now read our tools and tips to better understand other people's points of view so you can continue your awesome progress so far.
