1. What role does empathy play in your life and how has it helped you?
First off, empathy has played the role of building confidence and love around opening up my story so others feel comfortable and understood in their own. Empathy is also innate human nature. However, with constant distraction and focus on self, much of society has forgotten what exactly empathy means. My parents and other family roots taught by action and reaction how to navigate empathy. Fast forward to my teenage years and I quickly learned empathy via trauma after my dad, what felt like suddenly, became an alcoholic and after a few years of my mom and I surviving through my dad's new self via alcohol, he passed away in a car accident. I learned more empathy than I could have ever imagined through my trauma, a blessing in disguise. Circling back to present, empathy is my passion when you come down to the root of myself. Every relationship, professional or personal, I make sure to focus and understand who they are and where they are going in life. I am looking forward to bringing my empathy in to the software development world.
2. Why is empathy important for working on a team?
Simply, the work/project would not be cohesive and less efficient if each team chose to focus only on their idea. The end result would be more successful and put together if empathy were involved. Each team member would also understand and care for other team member's life outside of work, which creates better morale.
3. Describe a situation in which your ability to empathize with a colleague or teammate was helpful.
My friend and colleague at Sounds True Publishing, who at the time was working in the Customer Service department, spoke interest in wanting to work in the Direct Marketing department on my team, Merchandising. Since I was working in the Direct Marketing department and empathized with wanting to move forward in a career, (and not in a customer service based job) I supported and fought along side her until she received her position on the Merchandising team. I believe because I have been through a similar career change and understood the emotions and energy involved in making it happen, I was able to help my friend reach her goals.
4. When do you find it most difficult to be empathetic in professional settings? How can you improve your skills when faced with these scenarios?
I feel it is most difficult to be empathetic in a professional setting when myself or other team members' ideas or thoughts are pushed aside. I could improve on how I approach the leadership team, having my thoughts organized and ready with questions and possible solutions. Instead of having reactions ready to fire, I should sit back and listen to their why and approach to the situation. I have grown in this weakness as of late, and tend to continue when I decide to confront an issue in professional settings.