One Skill To Learn In The New Year: How Empathy Defines Your Relationships

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In a world where we’re all racing to meet deadlines and hit targets, it’s easy for kindness, respect, and empathy to get lost in the mix. But honestly, I think these are the very values that keep us grounded and connected. They create a space where people feel appreciated and comfortable just being themselves. They make the world around us, feel a little friendlier and more welcoming. To me, these values really matter, and I’ve seen first-hand how they can make all the difference, not just in the workplace but in every part of life.

As a Skills and Development Coach, I see every day how kindness, respect, and empathy can truly build trust and create a supportive environment for learning. Many of my apprentices come from all sorts of backgrounds and may have extra challenges, like learning difficulties. Showing kindness here means letting them know I’m genuinely on their side, so they feel safe asking questions or seeking help. Respect is equally important; it’s my way of saying, “I value your efforts and strengths, no matter what.” And that goes a long way.

Empathy is the key to understanding where each apprentice is coming from. By taking a moment to understand their struggles and aspirations, I can adjust my coaching to suit them better. It’s a more personal approach that builds confidence. They know they’re not being judged, and they feel free to really dive into their apprenticeship experience.

These values aren’t just for work; they’re central to my relationships with friends and family, too. A small act of kindness like checking in on someone or helping out without being asked, can make all the difference in deepening our bonds. Respect is about seeing things from someone else’s perspective, even if we disagree, and valuing their view.

Empathy plays a big role in family life, especially when misunderstandings crop up. When I make the effort to understand what the other person is going through, I’ve found conflicts can be handled with less stress, and conversations become more supportive and honest.

These values also shape how I approach anyone I meet, from neighbours to the person at the checkout. Sometimes, it’s a simple smile, a genuine “please” and “thank you,” or just showing a bit of patience. Small acts like these create a sense of community and remind us that everyone has their own challenges, even if we don’t know them.

Talking about kindness, respect, and empathy is one thing, but it’s the little actions we take that make these values real. Here are a few things I try to do each day

Listening Properly

Taking time to really listen without interrupting or judging is powerful. It’s something I practise with my apprentices, and it creates a space where they feel they can be open and honest.

Giving Supportive Feedback

Feedback is necessary, but it can be easy to forget the weight our words carry. I aim to give feedback constructively, and I recognise the effort someone’s put in while suggesting where they can grow.

Acknowledging Efforts

A quick “thank you” or a word of encouragement goes a long way. Whether it’s a big achievement or a small effort, people appreciate feeling seen, and I make a point of doing this with my team and apprentices.

Showing Patience

Some things take a bit more time, especially when people have different learning needs. Patience helps build confidence and gives people the space to learn at their own pace and will often lead to better results in the end.

These values may not show up in performance reports, but they’re what make a workplace, or any environment, feel welcoming and inclusive. When we put in the effort to show kindness, respect, and empathy, we create a place where people actually want to be, and that’s where true progress happens.

In the end, it’s more than just being “nice.” It’s about building stronger, more supportive connections, both at work and in life. With kindness, respect, and empathy, we can create relationships that enrich our lives and help us face challenges together.

Stay tuned for our upcoming blog posts in the “Skills To Learn In The New Year” series where we hear from staff across the organisation to get their perspectives on the skills and attributes people need to learn in to achieve their goals.

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