What does empathy enable a person to do?

Empathy enables a person to sense the feelings of others, which is essential for building strong interpersonal relationships, especially in healthcare settings. When someone is empathetic, they can understand and resonate with the emotions and experiences of others, allowing them to respond appropriately and supportively. This quality is fundamental in nursing leadership because it helps nurse executives to not only connect with their staff but also to enhance patient care by considering the emotional and psychological context of patients’ experiences.

By sensing the feelings of others, a leader can create a more compassionate and supportive environment, which can improve team morale and enhance patient satisfaction. In contrast, solving others' problems or attempting to control their emotions does not necessarily stem from an empathetic understanding and can lead to a disconnect rather than a connection. Focusing solely on one’s own feelings would negate the essence of empathy, which is about being attuned to the experiences and emotions of others.