Imagine the problem or situation from your team member’s perspective. This can help you better understand their propositions and point of view. Even if you reach a different conclusion from them, you may have a better understanding of their thought process, which can inform future discussions.

Ask what experiences have led to a particular conclusion. Consider the potential underlying factors that caused the person to feel the way they feel. For example, if you’re speaking with a buyer who’s unhappy with a product, you can ask about their expectations of the product and the specifics of their experience. If you don’t understand the situation, keep asking questions until you do. Empathy comes with a deeper understanding of what has happened.

In your interactions, repeat the concerns of the person you’re dealing with so they know you understand. For example, if you’re working with an unsatisfied customer, tell them you know it’s a challenging experience. Acknowledge their feelings and let them know that this is an appropriate way to feel.

Taking the time to understand someone’s desired goal is a great way to show empathy. Ask questions and practice active listening when someone is trying to communicate a challenge they’re facing.

This may be particularly useful in customer service. For example, you can ask the customer if they might prefer a new product or a refund. You may empathize more successfully when you can see the individual’s goal and understand what they’re working toward.

Asking questions and practicing non-verbal encouragement, such as eye contact, can be helpful in letting people know you’re listening. When a coworker discusses an unfamiliar experience, ask how that made them feel.

Though you may not have this experience yourself, your understanding of your coworker’s experience can help you have greater empathy for others who find themselves facing similar situations in the future.

This may be particularly useful in customer service. For example, you can ask the customer if they might prefer a new product or a refund. You may empathize more successfully when you can see the individual’s goal and understand what they’re working toward.

Ask colleagues if they need help with projects and offer assistance when possible. This can help team members feel like you support them and empathize with their challenges at work. It may sometimes be challenging to determine when a coworker is struggling, so part of empathy is observing your environment and taking the initiative to offer help before someone asks.

Though you may not have this experience yourself, your understanding of your coworker’s experience can help you have greater empathy for others who find themselves facing similar situations in the future.

This may be particularly useful in customer service. For example, you can ask the customer if they might prefer a new product or a refund. You may empathize more successfully when you can see the individual’s goal and understand what they’re working toward.

While it’s natural to gravitate toward people who are similar to you, you may learn more when you begin conversations with coworkers outside your inner circle. Talking to colleagues with whom you don’t normally interact with can help you learn different perspectives. You may also discover new approaches to problem-solving or discover a useful new way of thinking.