17 answers
CareerVillage Office Hours
Student
Palo Alto, California
589
Questions
Updated
1556 views
How do you show empathy when working with clients, customers, or coworkers ?
How do you show empathy when working with clients, customers, or coworkers?
Login to comment
17 answers
Paul Goetzinger MPA
Academic and Career Advisor | Freelance Writer | TRIO Program Director
1087
Answers
Tacoma, Washington
Updated
Paul’s Answer
I think that you can show empathy through a number of different ways.
I have always emphasized kindness, when an individual is experiencing adversity in their life. This can be demonstrated through simple acts of kindness, considering the rights and feelings of others before your own, and showing sincere care for an individuals life and concerns.
One of the best examples, that I can think of, is prioritizing the needs of your employees and helping them become their best selves, which is consistent with the primary components of empathy, such as understanding and relating to others' perspectives and struggles.
I truly believe that prioritizing the needs and goals of others, over one's own, is the basis of empathetic behavior and the foundation of good leadership.
I have always emphasized kindness, when an individual is experiencing adversity in their life. This can be demonstrated through simple acts of kindness, considering the rights and feelings of others before your own, and showing sincere care for an individuals life and concerns.
One of the best examples, that I can think of, is prioritizing the needs of your employees and helping them become their best selves, which is consistent with the primary components of empathy, such as understanding and relating to others' perspectives and struggles.
I truly believe that prioritizing the needs and goals of others, over one's own, is the basis of empathetic behavior and the foundation of good leadership.
Katie O'Flaherty
Senior Recruiter
30
Answers
Simsbury, Connecticut
Updated
Katie’s Answer
Active listening is key! Really take the time to hear what the customer/client is saying, rather than interrupting or preparing your reaction hastily. It's okay to pause and think through your response once the customer has finished talking. Try to empathize and put yourself in the individual's shoes. Be thoughtful and compassionate.
PwC Impact
884
Answers
Orlando, Florida
Updated
PwC’s Answer
- Be kind. You never know what burden someone may be carrying.
- Understand where the other person is coming from and what they might expect from you. Target that, but give yourself the chance to listen first if you can and pivot if you got it wrong in the first place.
- Actively listening and putting myself in their shoes/understanding the situation from the point of view of others.
- I try to understand my clients’ and coworkers’ context and act in accordance, explaining them the results of any given scenario.
- Understand where the other person is coming from and what they might expect from you. Target that, but give yourself the chance to listen first if you can and pivot if you got it wrong in the first place.
- Actively listening and putting myself in their shoes/understanding the situation from the point of view of others.
- I try to understand my clients’ and coworkers’ context and act in accordance, explaining them the results of any given scenario.
Wintora Danzey
Project Manager
1
Answer
Atlanta, Georgia
Updated
Wintora’s Answer
Listening carefully is key to showing empathy. When you truly pay attention to someone sharing their thoughts and feelings, it shows you care and helps create a strong bond. It's also important to let them speak without cutting in and to understand their situation with an open mind.
Audrey Robinson
2
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Audrey’s Answer
Empathy is the act of putting yourself in someone else's shoes and truly feeling/understanding what they are experiencing. Practicing empathy involves actively listening, asking clarifying questions to understand the situation better, relating to the situation with your own experiences, and thinking about the emotions that the other person is likely feeling. Another important thing to note is that we don't always know the full picture and we may not understand how one scenario fits into a person's busy life. Try to think about the situation as a whole - what else could this person be juggling and how does that affect their perspective on this situation? Something may not seem like a big deal to you, but to the other person it could carry a lot more weight, especially if their are other factors at play that you are not aware of. Be kind and do your best to understand the situation from their point of view.
PwC Impact
884
Answers
Orlando, Florida
Updated
PwC’s Answer
- When working with others, I try to remember that we all have a life and experiences happening outside of work. Those experiences shape how we approach each day and some times, people need grace for things we may never know are impacting them on any given day.
- Actively listen to their perspective and ask probing questions as needed to show I understand where they are coming from.
- Continuing to work with empathy, listening to them, and advising them effectively has helped me strengthen relationships with clients and colleagues, gaining trust and openness.
- Actively listen to their perspective and ask probing questions as needed to show I understand where they are coming from.
- Continuing to work with empathy, listening to them, and advising them effectively has helped me strengthen relationships with clients and colleagues, gaining trust and openness.
PwC Impact
884
Answers
Orlando, Florida
Updated
PwC’s Answer
I dedicate myself to being an active listening, including asking the other person(s) what they need in that moment.
I demonstrate empathy by listening first, acknowledging challenges, and offering support when issues arise. This helps build trust and keeps collaboration productive even in difficult situations.
I listen and try to give advice but I also do look for other resources to help the person.
I listen to problems, concerns and challenges. I try to put myself in their shoes. I remember their words and revisit where they are at with those challenges the next time we connect.
I practice active listening by turning on my camera, unmuting my microphone to acknowledge others, asking clarifying questions to confirm my understanding of my coworkers’ perspectives, and paying close attention both to their interpretation of events and to their feelings about what is happening.
I practice active listening to try to understand the person's needs and how best to engage with them on the topic.
I practice empathy when actively listening to vendors and teammates, being open-minded to their perspective and biases, as well as life experiences. Feeling heard is critical to practicing showing empathy in front of others, and building trust.
I show empathy by actively listening and making sure people feel heard and understood. When working with clients or coworkers, I take time to ask clarifying questions and restate what I’ve heard to confirm I understand their perspective.
I demonstrate empathy by listening first, acknowledging challenges, and offering support when issues arise. This helps build trust and keeps collaboration productive even in difficult situations.
I listen and try to give advice but I also do look for other resources to help the person.
I listen to problems, concerns and challenges. I try to put myself in their shoes. I remember their words and revisit where they are at with those challenges the next time we connect.
I practice active listening by turning on my camera, unmuting my microphone to acknowledge others, asking clarifying questions to confirm my understanding of my coworkers’ perspectives, and paying close attention both to their interpretation of events and to their feelings about what is happening.
I practice active listening to try to understand the person's needs and how best to engage with them on the topic.
I practice empathy when actively listening to vendors and teammates, being open-minded to their perspective and biases, as well as life experiences. Feeling heard is critical to practicing showing empathy in front of others, and building trust.
I show empathy by actively listening and making sure people feel heard and understood. When working with clients or coworkers, I take time to ask clarifying questions and restate what I’ve heard to confirm I understand their perspective.
PwC Impact
884
Answers
Orlando, Florida
Updated
PwC’s Answer
- Take time to truly listen and understand where your counterpart is coming from and the issues most important to them. This will allow you to connect, build trust and show empathy
- By genuinely building relationships and understanding the perspective of these individuals (co workers/clients) and supporting them in their needs you demonstrate empathy.
- Listening is an important skill - listen to your client and understand their problem - make sure they feel heard, listen to your team without judgement, listen to yourself and hear how you are communicating.
- The main thing for me is truly listen to the other individual. Don’t try to solve their problems before you really understand.
- By genuinely building relationships and understanding the perspective of these individuals (co workers/clients) and supporting them in their needs you demonstrate empathy.
- Listening is an important skill - listen to your client and understand their problem - make sure they feel heard, listen to your team without judgement, listen to yourself and hear how you are communicating.
- The main thing for me is truly listen to the other individual. Don’t try to solve their problems before you really understand.
Patricia Martin
Insurance Compliance
3
Answers
Savannah, Georgia
Updated
Patricia’s Answer
I'm so glad you're asking this question. It's wonderful to see your curiosity and eagerness to learn. Showing empathy can be as easy as asking someone how they're doing and really listening to what they say. Once you know how they feel, you can figure out if they need anything from you. Empathy means putting yourself in someone else's place and connecting with them emotionally. While sympathy is feeling sorry for someone, empathy is about truly understanding their feelings.
Julie Falcon
Experience Programs Manager
4
Answers
Bogota, New Jersey
Updated
Julie’s Answer
To be empathetic, begin by imagining yourself in someone else's position. Try to understand what a client or coworker is asking or telling you. Focus on building that connection by silently recalling any past experiences that may help you relate to their situation. Show empathy by making eye contact and rephrasing what you think they are saying. This helps them feel heard and allows them to correct any misunderstandings. Finally, acknowledge their feelings by saying things like "You must be frustrated" or "Thank you for sharing that with me."
PwC Impact
884
Answers
Orlando, Florida
Updated
PwC’s Answer
Recognizing and checking in when people are dealing with struggles in their personal lives.
Showing to them that we care of what is going on, and making their feelings like if they are ours.
Taking a moment to ask colleagues how they are doing demonstrates genuine care and interest in their well-being.
The heart of empathy is the ability to imagine yourself as the other person and see the situation through their eyes. It starts with good listening skills. The first step is to let them explain, listen carefully, ask a few clarifying questions, and repeat back to them my understanding of the situation. In most cases, this will diffuse the panic, and allows me to pivot to identifying the root of the problem, and start working toward a solution effectively.
To me empathy is critical in communicating with everyone regardless of their role. It may be difficult to establish rapport with every person one works with but I think most people feel good when someone shows interest in them. I try to get to know everyone I work with by learning about their life outside of work at least a little bit, to the extent they want to share. If they are willing to share, then I ask follow up questions. For example, let's say I know someone has been taking care of their elderly parent. I would ask how things are going, and how their parent is feeling. Then, I can maybe share an experience form my point of view on topics such as caretaking, medical care or other points.
"To me, empathy means being present with all who you speak with and respecting their time/energy. This can mean non-verbal cues such as sustained eye contact and head-nodding. However, it can also mean actively listening to their side of the conversation (instead of simply waiting to express your own thoughts) and keeping an open mind.
I also believe that empathy sits at the heart of everything we work on. As an associate, I care about creating the best deliverable I can, so that my reviewers can adequately build upon my work.
When tensions are high due to the fast moving nature of our deals environment, I leverage taking a pause (deep breath) before moving ahead when there are difficult conversations being held. This provides a moment for everyone to emotionally gather themselves before discussing difficult topics.
With coworkers and clients, I show empathy by always trying to think first of the human side of work - what is going on in their life outside of work, what are they carrying, etc. I work to be thoughtful and kind in my interactions, conscious that there may be burdens or struggles I am not privy to.
Showing to them that we care of what is going on, and making their feelings like if they are ours.
Taking a moment to ask colleagues how they are doing demonstrates genuine care and interest in their well-being.
The heart of empathy is the ability to imagine yourself as the other person and see the situation through their eyes. It starts with good listening skills. The first step is to let them explain, listen carefully, ask a few clarifying questions, and repeat back to them my understanding of the situation. In most cases, this will diffuse the panic, and allows me to pivot to identifying the root of the problem, and start working toward a solution effectively.
To me empathy is critical in communicating with everyone regardless of their role. It may be difficult to establish rapport with every person one works with but I think most people feel good when someone shows interest in them. I try to get to know everyone I work with by learning about their life outside of work at least a little bit, to the extent they want to share. If they are willing to share, then I ask follow up questions. For example, let's say I know someone has been taking care of their elderly parent. I would ask how things are going, and how their parent is feeling. Then, I can maybe share an experience form my point of view on topics such as caretaking, medical care or other points.
"To me, empathy means being present with all who you speak with and respecting their time/energy. This can mean non-verbal cues such as sustained eye contact and head-nodding. However, it can also mean actively listening to their side of the conversation (instead of simply waiting to express your own thoughts) and keeping an open mind.
I also believe that empathy sits at the heart of everything we work on. As an associate, I care about creating the best deliverable I can, so that my reviewers can adequately build upon my work.
When tensions are high due to the fast moving nature of our deals environment, I leverage taking a pause (deep breath) before moving ahead when there are difficult conversations being held. This provides a moment for everyone to emotionally gather themselves before discussing difficult topics.
With coworkers and clients, I show empathy by always trying to think first of the human side of work - what is going on in their life outside of work, what are they carrying, etc. I work to be thoughtful and kind in my interactions, conscious that there may be burdens or struggles I am not privy to.
PwC Impact
884
Answers
Orlando, Florida
Updated
PwC’s Answer
Listen first to understand their point of view. It's not about you, it's about them.
Listen first, listen well, repeat back to ensure I understand before I challenge/question/share my perspective
Listen, listen, listen!
Listen, not fix.
Listening first and giving them my full attention and with curiosity. I keep an approachable demeanor that allows clients and colleagues to feel safe sharing concerns, asking questions and seeking my advice.
Make sure that you make time to truly listen and ask questions for understanding NOT judgement.
One way to demonstrate empathy with clients, customer and/or coworkers is to always consider their point of view or feelings. At work I find this often means slowing down, pausing before launching into a topic or deliverable to start the conversation on a human level - getting to know someone or connecting on a personal level makes it easier to put yourself in their shoes. An example would be coaching a team member who is not performing as well as expected. As a leader I practice empathy by providing timely feedback, both positive and constructive, so that the teammate trusts you are truly invested in their development. This is especially important when delivering developmental feedback. If all you ever say to a person is negative you're going to make them feel awful. If you put yourself in their shoes it's easier to consider the tone, the words and the impact your message may have. I also literally use words or phrases to convey my empathy for the situation - share a personal story of developmental triumph, make sure they know you've "seen" their efforts. The same goes for celebrating success recognize how someone might feel in the moment and celebrate with them!
People matter. Everyone has a story and taking the time to wholeheartedly inquire about that story is a gateway to getting to know the people that you are interacting with and is a seed for caring. Take the time to understand who you are working with and give them an opportunity to share themselves with you. Listen intently and reciprocate by sharing back. Doing this will lead to an open and trusting relationship where caring and empathy lead.
Listen first, listen well, repeat back to ensure I understand before I challenge/question/share my perspective
Listen, listen, listen!
Listen, not fix.
Listening first and giving them my full attention and with curiosity. I keep an approachable demeanor that allows clients and colleagues to feel safe sharing concerns, asking questions and seeking my advice.
Make sure that you make time to truly listen and ask questions for understanding NOT judgement.
One way to demonstrate empathy with clients, customer and/or coworkers is to always consider their point of view or feelings. At work I find this often means slowing down, pausing before launching into a topic or deliverable to start the conversation on a human level - getting to know someone or connecting on a personal level makes it easier to put yourself in their shoes. An example would be coaching a team member who is not performing as well as expected. As a leader I practice empathy by providing timely feedback, both positive and constructive, so that the teammate trusts you are truly invested in their development. This is especially important when delivering developmental feedback. If all you ever say to a person is negative you're going to make them feel awful. If you put yourself in their shoes it's easier to consider the tone, the words and the impact your message may have. I also literally use words or phrases to convey my empathy for the situation - share a personal story of developmental triumph, make sure they know you've "seen" their efforts. The same goes for celebrating success recognize how someone might feel in the moment and celebrate with them!
People matter. Everyone has a story and taking the time to wholeheartedly inquire about that story is a gateway to getting to know the people that you are interacting with and is a seed for caring. Take the time to understand who you are working with and give them an opportunity to share themselves with you. Listen intently and reciprocate by sharing back. Doing this will lead to an open and trusting relationship where caring and empathy lead.
PwC Impact
884
Answers
Orlando, Florida
Updated
PwC’s Answer
- Taking time to listen and be engaged while listening. This includes learning about their challenges and successes and understanding how you can help them succeed.
- We all understand the Golden Rule - treat others the way you would want to be treated. To demonstrate true empathy, I encourage you to follow the Platinum Rule - treat others the way THEY want to be treated. Remove SELF and focus on the other person.
- Realize that everyone has something going on in the life beyond work. Ask how they are doing, ask if they need anything, ask how you can help. Leaving room at the beginning or end of meetings for this interaction. It goes a long way.
- We all understand the Golden Rule - treat others the way you would want to be treated. To demonstrate true empathy, I encourage you to follow the Platinum Rule - treat others the way THEY want to be treated. Remove SELF and focus on the other person.
- Realize that everyone has something going on in the life beyond work. Ask how they are doing, ask if they need anything, ask how you can help. Leaving room at the beginning or end of meetings for this interaction. It goes a long way.
PwC Impact
884
Answers
Orlando, Florida
Updated
PwC’s Answer
- I always try to put myself in other people’s shoes and understand their feelings, perceptions, motivations, and concerns.
- I have found that being a good listener and being able to ask thoughtful questions are critically important for demonstrating authenticity and empathy. And consistency and follow through help grow empathy and interest shown in a moment into an ongoing, trusted relationship.
- I try to cater an agenda for a meeting based on what I think they are most interested in hearing and always tell them my plan or goal for the discussion and then ask them what else they’d like to discuss today.
- I have found that being a good listener and being able to ask thoughtful questions are critically important for demonstrating authenticity and empathy. And consistency and follow through help grow empathy and interest shown in a moment into an ongoing, trusted relationship.
- I try to cater an agenda for a meeting based on what I think they are most interested in hearing and always tell them my plan or goal for the discussion and then ask them what else they’d like to discuss today.
PwC Impact
884
Answers
Orlando, Florida
Updated
PwC’s Answer
I show empathy by perceiving their situation in my shoes to better understand how they may be viewing the situation at the moment. This helps me understand their stance on how they react.
I show empathy to clients, coworkers & peers by being authentic. Each person has their own feelings, opinions, etc, NEVER judge a person based on disagreements. Part of human nature is to disagree with others but we should respect others even if we don't agree. Show compassion to each person. You never know what trials and tribulations someone may be battling and not being quick to judgement is a key asset that will take you far. Also, always try to see the other side of a situation or see yourself in their shoes. Taking a step away to analyze this can often bring an entirely different light to a situation.
I show empathy when working with clients, customers, or coworkers by being considerate of their time, asking follow-up questions on not only work-related tasks but in regard to small talk. It's an opportunity to get to know who I work with and makes work more enjoyable.
I show empathy working with clients, customers, and coworkers by being vulnerable myself and taking time to make real connections and acknowledge needs before just plowing ahead.
I try to listen first and understand what the other person is dealing with before responding. I ask questions, acknowledge their concerns, and adjust my approach based on their situation rather than assuming everyone has the same priorities.
I try to understand what my colleagues are going through outside of work, and tell personal stories that relate to something similar to show that I've been there and understand and support them.
I show empathy to clients, coworkers & peers by being authentic. Each person has their own feelings, opinions, etc, NEVER judge a person based on disagreements. Part of human nature is to disagree with others but we should respect others even if we don't agree. Show compassion to each person. You never know what trials and tribulations someone may be battling and not being quick to judgement is a key asset that will take you far. Also, always try to see the other side of a situation or see yourself in their shoes. Taking a step away to analyze this can often bring an entirely different light to a situation.
I show empathy when working with clients, customers, or coworkers by being considerate of their time, asking follow-up questions on not only work-related tasks but in regard to small talk. It's an opportunity to get to know who I work with and makes work more enjoyable.
I show empathy working with clients, customers, and coworkers by being vulnerable myself and taking time to make real connections and acknowledge needs before just plowing ahead.
I try to listen first and understand what the other person is dealing with before responding. I ask questions, acknowledge their concerns, and adjust my approach based on their situation rather than assuming everyone has the same priorities.
I try to understand what my colleagues are going through outside of work, and tell personal stories that relate to something similar to show that I've been there and understand and support them.
PwC Impact
884
Answers
Orlando, Florida
Updated
PwC’s Answer
I show empathy by actively listening to what people are saying, acknowledging how they feel, and responding with care rather than judgment. I try to see situations from their point of view so I can better understand what they need. This helps build trust and encourages open, honest communication, which makes it easier to work through both the emotional and practical sides of an issue.
I show empathy by actively listening, asking meaningful questions, and making sure others feel understood before offering solutions. I stay patient and supportive, adapt my communication to their needs, and follow through on actions that reflect their concerns and priorities.
I show empathy by being a good listener. When I give people my full attention, they feel heard and understood, which helps build trust and connection. From there, I can respond in a way that supports what they really need.
I show empathy by listening first and adjusting my communication to the person and context, rather than assuming a one-size-fits-all approach.
With clients and coworkers, this means asking clarifying questions, acknowledging constraints they may be under (such as time pressure or uncertainty), and being mindful of how information is delivered. I try to understand not only what someone is asking for, but why—whether they are looking for reassurance, clarity, or a concrete solution.
Empathy also shows up in small, practical ways: being respectful of time zones, avoiding unnecessary urgency, and creating space for questions.
These behaviors build trust and make collaboration more effective.
I show empathy by pausing to truly listen so people feel seen and understood. Instead of assuming I know how they feel, I ask thoughtful questions and reflect back what I hear. That way, I connect with their perspective without filtering it through my own biases.
I show empathy by actively listening, asking meaningful questions, and making sure others feel understood before offering solutions. I stay patient and supportive, adapt my communication to their needs, and follow through on actions that reflect their concerns and priorities.
I show empathy by being a good listener. When I give people my full attention, they feel heard and understood, which helps build trust and connection. From there, I can respond in a way that supports what they really need.
I show empathy by listening first and adjusting my communication to the person and context, rather than assuming a one-size-fits-all approach.
With clients and coworkers, this means asking clarifying questions, acknowledging constraints they may be under (such as time pressure or uncertainty), and being mindful of how information is delivered. I try to understand not only what someone is asking for, but why—whether they are looking for reassurance, clarity, or a concrete solution.
Empathy also shows up in small, practical ways: being respectful of time zones, avoiding unnecessary urgency, and creating space for questions.
These behaviors build trust and make collaboration more effective.
I show empathy by pausing to truly listen so people feel seen and understood. Instead of assuming I know how they feel, I ask thoughtful questions and reflect back what I hear. That way, I connect with their perspective without filtering it through my own biases.
PwC Impact
884
Answers
Orlando, Florida
Updated
PwC’s Answer
- Listening, repeating, trying to help resolve challenges
- Empathy starts with active listening and attempting to put yourself in someone else’s shoes. Acknowledging and respecting someone else’s point of view builds trust.
- Listening first and putting myself in others shoes without trying to control the outcomes to the benefit of myself or the firm
- Always listen--listening is key because without truly understanding the problem, we cannot collaborate on solving it.
- Empathy starts with active listening and attempting to put yourself in someone else’s shoes. Acknowledging and respecting someone else’s point of view builds trust.
- Listening first and putting myself in others shoes without trying to control the outcomes to the benefit of myself or the firm
- Always listen--listening is key because without truly understanding the problem, we cannot collaborate on solving it.