Networking Masterclass - Part 1 - Practicing Empathy

Practicing Empathy

A vital part of your networking skills is your ability to build rapport quickly and effectively with others. To build rapport successfully with another individual you need to understand 'where' they are coming from and have 'empathy' with them.

People often think of empathy as a mystical commodity, a special, almost uncanny ability to experience the thoughts and feelings of someone else. In fact 'empathy' is quite simply applied imagination and only requires a little exertion and discipline.

The next time you are sitting in a room conversing with three or more people, try this very simple activity:

Temporarily remove yourself from the conversation. Be very quiet for a few moments. Pay particular attention to the person doing the most talking. Imagine the following things:

Imagine the physical sensations the speaker is experiencing. Mentally place yourself in that person's body, sitting or standing in a particular position, eating the same food, drinking the same drink. Mentally become that person. Do you feel energised? Tired? Irritated?

Imagine what kind of day the speaker has had - using all your knowledge about the speakers' day. If you know little about the person, guess. Continue to imagine yourself as that person. How does your day colour and affect what you are saying?

Imagine the person's relationship's to everyone in the room - including yourself. Continue to mentally be that person. What kind of feelings are generated by the people around you? How do they affect the things you say?

Now step back into yourself and rejoin the scene. Does your own role in the conversation feel different?

Empathy, like memory is a creative act, not a mystical property and it requires imagination and practice. It lies within the grasp of all of us.

Margaret Stead - Dream Architect, helps individuals, executives and business owners market themselves online into new jobs, careers - building customer-employer relationships and increasing their job satisfaction.

She offers personal coaching, workshops, tutorials, classes and reports on the telephone and in one to one meetings that help people just like you do job hunting that gets results. You can learn more about these terrific resources at www.careersnet.com

In The News:

table border=0 width= valign=top cellpadding=2 cellspacing=7trtd valign=top class=jfont style=font-size:85%;font-family:arial,sans-serifbrdiv style=padding-top:0.8em;img alt= height=1 width=1/divdiv class=lha href=http://www.citywebshopper.net/articles/includes/redirect.php?url=http://mywebtimes.com/ottnews/archives/ottawa/display.php%3Fid%3D370902cid=1274028095ei=lMs1SdCiGZnU9QSOhMEpusg=AFQjCNGxlVVjya7STRr3kbQ9_Cq1mmWVUwRecession-proof your bcareer/b - bEmployment/b expert offers job b.../b/abrfont size=-1font color=#6f6f6fMyWebTimes.com,nbsp;ILnbsp;-/font nobrNov 23, 2008/nobr/fontbrfont size=-1b.../b understandable to be concerned about bemployment/b, there are steps workers can take to help them be more indispensable and “recession-proof” their bcareer/b. b.../b/font/div/font/td/tr/table
table border=0 width= valign=top cellpadding=2 cellspacing=7trtd valign=top class=jfont style=font-size:85%;font-family:arial,sans-serifbrdiv style=padding-top:0.8em;img alt= height=1 width=1/divdiv class=lha href=http://www.citywebshopper.net/articles/includes/redirect.php?url=http://www.weehawkenreporter.com/pages/home_top_section/push%3Farticle--B-Scared-about-your-job-prospects-B-BR-%2520%26link%3Dpush::target_page%26id%3D732662--B-Scared-about-your-job-prospects-B-BR-%26instance%3Dup_to_the_minute%2520lead_story_left_columncid=1276957067ei=lMs1SdCiGZnU9QSOhMEpusg=AFQjCNEdalE0YZ-kFEfMI3Yu2sDJE8OTXQScared about your job prospects?/abrfont size=-1font color=#6f6f6fWeehawken Reporter,nbsp;NJnbsp;-/font nobr2 hours ago/nobr/fontbrfont size=-1They say you will “learn how to save your job, conduct a successful job search, or change bcareers/b! Ethan Chazin, professional bcareer/b coach and bemployment/b b.../b/font/div/font/td/tr/table
table border=0 width= valign=top cellpadding=2 cellspacing=7trtd valign=top class=jfont style=font-size:85%;font-family:arial,sans-serifbrdiv style=padding-top:0.8em;img alt= height=1 width=1/divdiv class=lha href=http://www.citywebshopper.net/articles/includes/redirect.php?url=http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/Research-Markets-Personnel-Economics-Practice/story.aspx%3Fguid%3D%257BAB786A5C-4D9B-4ED1-8D38-F41F8BF753C6%257Dcid=1276881571ei=lMs1SdCiGZnU9QSOhMEpusg=AFQjCNGAyOGIueUp_Cq4PMNytE-S6sChtAResearch and Markets: Personnel Economics in Practice, 2nd Edition b.../b/abrfont size=-1font color=#6f6f6fMarketWatchnbsp;-/font nobr9 hours ago/nobr/fontbrfont size=-1bCareer/b-Based Incentives. 12. Employee Stock Options amp; Executive Pay. Applications. 13. Benefits. 14. Entrepreneurship amp; Intrapreneurship. 15. The bEmployment/b b.../b/font/div/font/td/tr/table
table border=0 width= valign=top cellpadding=2 cellspacing=7trtd valign=top class=jfont style=font-size:85%;font-family:arial,sans-serifbrdiv style=padding-top:0.8em;img alt= height=1 width=1/divdiv class=lha href=http://www.citywebshopper.net/articles/includes/redirect.php?url=http://www.kbtx.com/state/headlines/35410259.htmlcid=0ei=lMs1SdCiGZnU9QSOhMEpusg=AFQjCNHyxOpxhs67IuATcvEUj-uKg30bfQTexasTexas Motor Transportation Association Launches New b.../b/abrfont size=-1font color=#6f6f6fKBTX,nbsp;TXnbsp;-/font nobr32 minutes ago/nobr/fontbrfont size=-1b.../b will function as a clearinghouse where professionals can post a resume, search job availabilities and learn about possible bcareers/b. b.../b/font/div/font/td/tr/table
table border=0 width= valign=top cellpadding=2 cellspacing=7trtd valign=top class=jfont style=font-size:85%;font-family:arial,sans-serifbrdiv style=padding-top:0.8em;img alt= height=1 width=1/divdiv class=lha href=http://www.citywebshopper.net/articles/includes/redirect.php?url=http://www.jobjournal.com/thisweek.asp%3Fartid%3D2523cid=0ei=lMs1SdCiGZnU9QSOhMEpusg=AFQjCNEoDIHZsi0L_461OVsfD7NgiuR2swNonprofit bCareer/b Paths/abrfont size=-1font color=#6f6f6fCalifornia Job Journal,nbsp;CAnbsp;-/font nobrDec 1, 2008/nobr/fontbrfont size=-1By Commongood bCareers/b Today’s nonprofit sector is growing faster than ever. In fact, Independent Sector.org reports that nonprofit bemployment/b has doubled to b.../b/font/div/font/td/tr/table
table border=0 width= valign=top cellpadding=2 cellspacing=7trtd valign=top class=jfont style=font-size:85%;font-family:arial,sans-serifbrdiv style=padding-top:0.8em;img alt= height=1 width=1/divdiv class=lha href=http://www.citywebshopper.net/articles/includes/redirect.php?url=http://www.javajournalonline.com/articles/art_careeroverhaul_122008.phpcid=0ei=lMs1SdCiGZnU9QSOhMEpusg=AFQjCNF5LeXCqtQw0_OqvmZOtUpqZFEz1QbCareer/b Overhaul or a simple tune-up/abrfont size=-1font color=#6f6f6fJava Journal,nbsp;Missourinbsp;-/font nobrDec 1, 2008/nobr/fontbrfont size=-1Galan: Do you have bemployment/b assistance services after graduation such as resume building and job placement? Peterman: Yes, we offer these services. b.../b/font/div/font/td/tr/table
table border=0 width= valign=top cellpadding=2 cellspacing=7trtd valign=top class=jfont style=font-size:85%;font-family:arial,sans-serifbrdiv style=padding-top:0.8em;img alt= height=1 width=1/divdiv class=lha href=http://www.citywebshopper.net/articles/includes/redirect.php?url=http://www.metronews.ca/toronto/Work/article/148404cid=1276317808ei=lMs1SdCiGZnU9QSOhMEpusg=AFQjCNFlTfAGa0BIsSzrgGX8Ay5pgnUJWwSecond bCareer/b options for laid-off workers/abrfont size=-1font color=#6f6f6fMetro Canada - Toronto,nbsp;Canadanbsp;-/font nobrNov 30, 2008/nobr/fontbrfont size=-1For more information on how to apply to Second bCareer/b visit an bEmployment/b Ontario assessment centre, or call 1-800-387-5656 or visit the website: b.../b/font/div/font/td/tr/table
table border=0 width= valign=top cellpadding=2 cellspacing=7trtd valign=top class=jfont style=font-size:85%;font-family:arial,sans-serifbrdiv style=padding-top:0.8em;img alt= height=1 width=1/divdiv class=lha href=http://www.citywebshopper.net/articles/includes/redirect.php?url=http://www.canada.com/ottawacitizen/story.html%3Fid%3Da0b76fac-1990-4d66-86a7-4462ac8a1c1fcid=1275549878ei=lMs1SdCiGZnU9QSOhMEpusg=AFQjCNGfBtzQOoZgft9nC7ekCv1begnv-ALiberals, NDP rush to fill positions in ministers#39; offices/abrfont size=-1font color=#6f6f6fCanada.com,nbsp;Canadanbsp;-/font nobr13 hours ago/nobr/fontbrfont size=-1But some well-qualified potential employees could prove to be uninterested because the Federal Accountability Act would narrow their bcareer/b prospects after b.../b/font/div/font/td/tr/table
table border=0 width= valign=top cellpadding=2 cellspacing=7trtd valign=top class=jfont style=font-size:85%;font-family:arial,sans-serifbrdiv style=padding-top:0.8em;img alt= height=1 width=1/divdiv class=lha href=http://www.citywebshopper.net/articles/includes/redirect.php?url=http://www.businessdayonline.com/index.php%3Foption%3Dcom_content%26view%3Darticle%26id%3D1624:tackling-career-issues-3%26catid%3D89:learning%26Itemid%3D276cid=0ei=lMs1SdCiGZnU9QSOhMEpusg=AFQjCNFxaigaez3kCCmIO2wUs8K2YbFYhgTackling bcareer/b issues (3)/abrfont size=-1font color=#6f6f6fBusinessDay,nbsp;Nigerianbsp;-/font nobr22 hours ago/nobr/fontbrfont size=-1Whilst a few conventional opportunities might recede for those who choose entrepreneurship, it’s likely that any experience of self-bemployment/b will be of b.../b/font/div/font/td/tr/table
table border=0 width= valign=top cellpadding=2 cellspacing=7trtd valign=top class=jfont style=font-size:85%;font-family:arial,sans-serifbrdiv style=padding-top:0.8em;img alt= height=1 width=1/divdiv class=lha href=http://www.citywebshopper.net/articles/includes/redirect.php?url=http://www.dobmagazine.nickles.com/article.asp%3Farticle%3D%255Cdob%255C081201%255Cdob2008_d10005.htmlcid=0ei=lMs1SdCiGZnU9QSOhMEpusg=AFQjCNH3TZFcMFKhiZ2CX6k_FulE2tYZ1wFlexpipe Systems Announces bEmployment/b Opportunities/abrfont size=-1font color=#6f6f6fNickle's Energy Group,nbsp;Canadanbsp;-/font nobrDec 1, 2008/nobr/fontbrfont size=-1Field Sales amp; Service Representative (Grand Prairie and area) These are ideal opportunities for anyone looking to develop their skills and bcareer/b and be b.../b/font/div/font/td/tr/table
careers employment - Google News

The 10-Step Resume Critique

Your resume will generally receive a 15- to 30-second scan... Read More

The Network Within

When you hear the word "networking", what comes to your... Read More

Planning To Work Abroad

Working abroad can be an exciting, rewarding and horizon broadening... Read More

For Effective Decisions, Look Beyond Career Stereotypes

You've probably been taught not to stereotype people based on... Read More

Why Your CV/Resume is Not Generating The Interview Offers You Want

If your current CV or resume is not generating the... Read More

Cover Letter Sample -- For the Corporate Flight Attendant

Writing a cover letter to send with your rsum can... Read More

Think Twice Before You Change Jobs

You've got the itch to change jobs. This might be... Read More

How to Give Job-Winning Answers at Interviews

Human Resources personnel, professional recruiters and various other career experts... Read More

You Are Not Entitled to a Job!

Rsum TipsSome basics about job hunting...First of all, nobody owes... Read More

Prepare for Your Performance Review Before You Start the Job

When you start a new job, you probably realize the... Read More

Cover Letter Magic: 4 Ways To ASK For The Job Interview - And Get It!

Just how important it is to ASK for the job... Read More

To Get Hired or Get Promoted, Attitude Is The Key

When you're looking to get hired or get promoted, what... Read More

When Bad Interviews Happen to Good Candidates

Going through the motions of a bad interview is like... Read More

How to Manage Your Career Like a Business

Look upon yourself as a company with a product or... Read More

Why Are 95% of Job Applicants Not Called Back?

Have you been desperately looking for a job and keep... Read More

10 Tips For Writing A Winning Resume

Your resume (or curriculum vitae), combined with the cover letter,... Read More

You Never Get A Second Chance To Make A First Impression

There is no easy way to define exactly what editors,... Read More

Electronic Resume Writing Tips That Boost Your Interview Appointment Success

Electronic Resume Writing Tips That Boost Your Interview Appointment SuccessBefore... Read More

Is Job Loss Making You Sick?

Job loss affects most of us like any other loss... Read More

Make The Right Career Move

It is not realistic for HR Managers to believe that... Read More

One Cover Letter Secret You Cant Afford To Miss

Suppose you were the hiring manager, your desk piled high... Read More

Job Dissatisfaction

Job dissatisfaction is a driving force behind individuals seeking employment... Read More

Q & A How to Find a Great Search Firm

Q & AQ: Are people sometimes cautious of 'headhunters'?A. Yes.... Read More

5 Ways to Profit From No Child Left Behind (NCLB)

The No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 (No Child... Read More

Job Hunting Tips: Accepting Judgment

Applying for work is stressful, no matter the circumstances. Even... Read More