Why You Should Live with Empathy Every Day — Not Just on Valentine's Day. Discover how practicing empathy daily will greatly improve your personal and professional relationships.

Valentine's Day, traditionally dedicated to expressing love and affection, often sees us scrambling on that special day to show appreciation for those in our lives. But why limit this sentiment to just one day? And why limit it to just our personal lives? Consistent consideration and empathy can forge stronger, more meaningful connections in both our personal and professional spheres. This article explores the profound impact of empathy and making every day a chance to show we care.

Several years ago, I was preparing for a keynote speech at a manager's meeting for a utility company deep in the heart of Texas. Ahead of the event, we had a prep call to align my presentation with their goals. The CEO chimed in during the call, saying, "Scott, our managers lead teams across diverse roles, from internal ops to customer service and field support. It's crucial that your talk emphasizes customer service."

Now, this caught me off guard. My presentation focused on leadership, and though I planned to weave in customer service elements, the CEO's emphasis on this aspect was unexpected, especially for a leadership presentation. I knew that this utility company owned its footprint or service area — meaning they had no competition.

Knowing this, I asked him, "Without competition in your service area, why is there a strong focus on customer service?" His response was music to my ears. "Because treating people well is the right thing to do…all the time. Not just when you're facing competition." Bingo!

For this CEO and his organization, it wasn't just about customer service; it was about empathy, making every interaction count, and treating every day as if it were Valentine's Day — with care, attention, and genuine concern for others. That's the essence of true service, extending beyond mere transactions to heartfelt connections.

Related: 6 Exceptional Examples of Brands Showing Their Customer Appreciation

Let's talk about empathy

Simply put, empathy is the ability to understand and share another person's feelings. It's about stepping into someone else's shoes to see the world from their perspective and feel what they feel. Empathy goes beyond sympathy, which is feeling compassion for others — empathy is more about directly connecting with their emotions. It's a crucial skill, especially in leadership and customer relations, as it allows for a better understanding of others' needs, concerns, and experiences. This connection fosters better communication and can lead to more effective problem-solving as you address issues with a deeper understanding of the human element involved.

There's good news and bad news regarding empathy. The good news is that we're all wired for empathy to some degree, but it's a bit more nuanced. It's partly physiological, as our brains are equipped with mirror neurons. These neurons fire both when we perform an action and when we see someone else perform the same action, helping us understand and mirror others' feelings. This is a fundamental part of empathy.

However, the extent and manner in which people experience empathy can vary widely. Some individuals might naturally be more empathetic due to their brain wiring or upbringing, while others may find it more challenging to empathize. Factors like environment, education, personal experiences, and even cultural norms significantly shape our empathetic abilities.

While it's true that various factors might influence our initial capacity for empathy, the good news is that this isn't the end of the story. Empathy, much like any other skill, can be nurtured and strengthened over time through deliberate practice and learning. Activities like active listening, engaging with diverse perspectives, and emotional intelligence training can bolster our ability to empathize with others. It's not just a static trait; it's a skill that can be cultivated and improved over time. This is particularly relevant in professional and personal development, where understanding and connecting with people is key.

The power of empathy in the workplace

In business, showing genuine concern and understanding toward clients and colleagues isn't just good ethics; it's a smart strategy. Empathy can transform customer interactions, turning a one-time buyer into a lifelong advocate. It's about seeing things from their perspective, addressing their needs, and going the extra mile.

Case in Point: Consider a scenario where a customer faces an issue. A company that listens and responds with genuine concern and a willingness to resolve the problem retains that customer and earns their trust and loyalty.

Related: 3 Ways Gratitude Can Set You Up for Business Success

Empathy goes beyond the bottom line

Employees thrive in environments where they feel valued and understood, especially for remote workers. When leaders practice empathy and show appreciation regularly, it creates a culture of loyalty and dedication that transcends physical office spaces. For remote employees, who may feel isolated or disconnected, regular check-ins and recognition of their challenges and achievements can significantly boost their morale and performance. It's not about grand gestures; sometimes, simply acknowledging their hard work, being flexible with their unique situations, or offering support during tough personal times makes all the difference. This approach enhances their productivity and strengthens your relationship with them, fostering a sense of belonging and team unity despite the physical distance.

The Ripple Effect: Happy employees are more productive, creative, and inclined to go above and beyond. This positivity radiates, improving the workplace atmosphere and positively impacting customer experiences.

Strengthening personal bonds

In our personal lives, showing love and appreciation shouldn't be reserved for special occasions. Regular acts of kindness and understanding strengthen bonds with friends and family. It's about being there, listening, and showing that you value them not just on Valentine's Day but every day.

People remember how you make them feel. When you consistently show that you genuinely care, they're more likely to be there for you in your times of need, creating a mutual support system.

Related: Why Entrepreneurs Should Always Express Gratitude

Making every day Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day serves as a reminder to express our feelings. However, integrating this ethos into our daily lives can lead to more fulfilling personal relationships, a more supportive work environment, and a customer base that feels valued and understood. Let's not wait for a special day to show people we care. After all, every day can be a day of appreciation and empathy in both personal and professional life.

As we approach Valentine's Day, let's challenge ourselves to carry this spirit throughout the year. In doing so, we not only enrich our own lives but also positively impact those around us.