What is empathy?
An inner attitude that connects you with yourself and others.
Empathy is the ability to feel what someone else is feeling—without judging, analyzing, or trying to save them. It is at the heart of Nonviolent Communication (NVC) and the key to genuine connection: with yourself and with others. Empathy creates spaces where people feel heard, seen, and understood—on equal footing and with an open heart.
Starting point:
Self-empathy
We often wish that the people we interact with would respond to us with empathy. But we forget that empathy always starts with ourselves.
Self-empathy means being in touch with your own feelings and needs—especially when things get difficult.
Those who learn to listen to themselves become clearer, calmer, and more present in conversations with others.
It's easier for them to set boundaries and express myself.
When you know your own needs, you can hear those of others more easily—and a genuine connection is formed.
In everyday life, empathy is often confused with niceness or harmony.
But empathy does not mean agreeing with everything or holding back. Being empathetic means remaining authentic and present, even when tensions or differences of opinion arise.
"Understanding the needs of another person does not mean giving up your own needs. Understanding does not mean agreeing. " (Marshall B. Rosenberg)
Especially in management, “empathic leadership” is often demanded today—but rarely practiced. Because true empathy requires knowing yourself, listening without an agenda, and remaining open, even when it becomes uncomfortable.
Empathy in everyday life:
often misunderstood
Empathy as a leadership quality
Studies show that empathy is one of the top three most important leadership qualities for:
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Leading teams constructively
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Making clear decisions
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Developing creative, viable solutions
Empathy not only promotes relationships, but also performance—empathic leadership creates trust, motivation, and innovation.
The good news is that empathy can be learned.
Empathy is not an innate gift, but an attitude that can be consciously cultivated. It changes how we speak, listen, lead, and connect. Would you like to lead, communicate, or live more empathetically—without having to bend yourself out of shape?
I am happy to accompany you on your journey to an empathetic attitude—in your personal and professional life.
Your journey to greater empathy starts here!
Experience empathy. Deepen communication.
In our NVC seminars and practice groups, you will discover how to create genuine connections—with yourself and with others.
You will learn to listen actively, communicate more clearly, and resolve conflicts in a new, appreciative way.
For individuals, teams, managers, and companies.
