In this episode, Erin explores the power of a simple question that can interrupt our cycle of automatic judgment and open up space for empathy. The question is: ‘What else might be going on here?’ She explains that our brains are wired to make quick judgments for survival, but this automatic reaction doesn’t serve us in challenging situations or interactions with others. By asking this question, we can shift from reaction to response and increase our capacity for empathy. Erin provides examples of how this question can be applied to both self-empathy and empathy with others.

Today on Tactical Empathy:

• Our brains are wired to make quick judgments for survival, but this automatic reaction doesn’t serve us in challenging situations or interactions with others.
• By asking the question ‘What else might be going on here?’, we can interrupt our automatic judgment reactions and choose to respond with empathy.
• This question can be applied to both self-empathy and empathy with others, allowing us to explore different perspectives and gather more information.
• Practicing empathy skills increases our capacity for pause, reflection, and choosing better responses instead of reactions.

Connect with Erin:

• Instagram: @elthorp
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-thorp-speaker/
• Website: www.erinthorp.ca
• Inside Out Empathy: www.erinthorp.ca/insideout
• Freebie: 5 Practices to Build Empathy Skills