What is Empathy?

What Is Empathy? Why It’s Hard—and Why It Matters for Communication According to Mike Simmons - Empathy is more than a buzzword—it’s the ability to truly see the world through someone else’s eyes. In this video, we break down what empathy really means, why it’s so difficult to practice, and how a lack of empathy can quietly derail communication at work and at home. You’ll learn: A clear, practical definition of empathy Why empathy is essential for effective communication How perspective, bias, and assumptions get in the way The “Four Ways of Seeing” framework (from Army training doctrine) and how it applies to leadership, teamwork, and relationships Real-world examples from executive roles (CFO, CRO, CMO) and personal relationships If you want to improve how things are said, heard, and remembered—and strengthen communication across teams and relationships—this video is for you. Empathy is a skill. And like any skill, it can be practiced and improved. Let us know in the comments: What do you think is the biggest barrier to empathy?