Learn Something Series: Empathy, Listening, & Vulnerability

Empathylistening, and vulnerability are critical to our ability to form strong relationships where colleagues feel recognized, understood, and trusted.   

Welcome to the Learn Something Series! We know finding the time for professional development can be difficult, so we curated these learning resources to support your busy schedule. Think of it as learning without ever having to miss a class because our content allows you to explore relevant topics more deeply, while also giving you the flexibility to take a break and come back again later. We look forward to your feedback and hope to connect with you through our other professional development programs.

Learn at Your Own Pace

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Reflect

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Take Away

Empathy

Empathy allows us to connect with others by recognizing their perspective and emotions. Often empathy is thought of as expressing pity or feeling sorry for someone. Rather, empathy enables us to understand people’s feelings and behavior, express understanding, and respond with compassion and support.

Empathy is not simply a matter of trying to imagine what others are going though, but having the will to muster enough courage to do something about it. In a way, empathy is predicated upon hope.

Cornel West

Objectives:

  • Define the difference between empathy and sympathy
  • Reflect on one's own awareness and ability to empathize and show compassion
  • Identify and apply ways to demonstrate compassionate empathy

Listening

We listen every day. Yet, upon reflection, many leaders and employees admit they find it hard to truly listen to others. By exploring why listening is so important, and how to do it better, we can enhance our relationships.

Listen and silent are spelled with the same letters. Think about it.

Unknown

Objectives:

  • Define the principles of effective listening
  • Reflect on and identify how effective one’s listening skills are
  • Learn and apply strategies for enhanced listening

Vulnerability

Vulnerability requires courage and strength to express who we really are and what we genuinely think and feel. In the workplace, vulnerability is at the root of authentic leadership and meaningful connection. Leaders and employees are embracing vulnerability to enable greater trust, honesty, and creativity in their teams and relationships.

Vulnerability is not weakness; it’s our most accurate measure of courage.

Brené Brown, Braving the Wilderness

Objectives

  • Define what vulnerability is, and what it is not
  • Explore the benefits of vulnerability in the workplace
  • Reflect on one’s own ability to be vulnerable and make connections
  • Identify and apply ways to demonstrate vulnerability

LinkedIn Learning

Free to all employees, LinkedIn Learning offers more than 5,000 online professional development courses in business, technology, and creative skills. See what’s out there for you! Visit Princeton's portal. Log in with your NetID and password.

Questions?

Contact the Learning and Development Team at [email protected].