How to Use Empathy to Develop Meaningful Client Relationships

As business development professionals, we know that leadership embodies key traits such as vision, integrity, diplomacy, dedication, and a flexible, open mind. We also know that--leader or not--emotional intelligence (identified by psychologist Daniel Goleman) plays a significant role in our success. This is where empathy comes in.

Empathy is considered by some as the second-most important element of emotional intelligence. (Number one is self-awareness.) Empathy is defined as the ability to identify and understand the wants, needs, and viewpoints of those around you. Empathetic people avoid stereotyping and judging too quickly. Empathizers have the ability to imaginatively enter into another person's feelings, without applying their own personal filters to the situation.

If ever there were a time for empathy, perhaps the time is now. These last couple of years have been especially challenging from economic, global, and political perspectives. On top of that, every year brings new challenges that need to be addressed from both business and personal perspectives. As a result, life can become overwhelming. We do our best to buck up and manage. Yet, sometimes, we need the help and patience of others. We need empathy.