P13: The Empathy Pivot You Didn't Know You Needed

Welcome to the thirteenth issue of Just One Pivot, where we explore how a single shift in perspective can transform our lives. If someone shared it with you, you can subscribe here.  

Today’s Pivot: Bolster Clarity, Creativity, Growth and Courage via Empathy

In 2013, Dan Britton, Jimmy Page, and Jon Gordon wrote a little red book that only takes an hour to read. One Word that Will Change Your Life explains how focusing on just one word for the entire year can simplify our lives and businesses. I immediately loved the evidence-based concept that a single focus can become a catalyst for life.

A Yearly Ritual

For me, choosing a word started as a recurring and focused gratitude ritual, starting in late November. Yes, it aligns with the U.S. Thanksgiving season, which is a perfect time to reflect on the year and all I'm grateful for.

I think about what needs to go and what I want to hold on to with a deep sense of purpose. During this time, my internal radar begins to scan for potential themes that may be emerging naturally.

More Than Just a Word

But I'm looking for more than just a word.

I'm looking for a Pivot... because, as you know, it's all about the one pivot that can change the momentum of the game.

What will I pivot towards when my mind wanders?

… when I'm frustrated?

… when someone offends me?

… when I face a tough decision?

… when I need to inspire my team?

…. When I want to deepen my relationships?

In short, what will move me towards what I want more of in my life?

The Power of an Empathy Pivot

Whether you have a word for the year or not, perhaps you haven't considered it a pivot. I want to offer EMPATHY as an option guaranteed to change your year—in business and life.

Hear me out.

Earlier this month, I conducted an informal survey on LinkedIn, asking the question, "If you had to choose one of these themes, which would you like to see more of for yourself in 2025?"

The choices were Clarity, Creativity, Growth, and Courage.

While the percentage breakdown of responses is interesting, it isn't the focus here. Yet, it got me thinking about whether these themes may connect with empathy.

Why? Well, as a research scientist who primarily studies empathy in healthcare, I can't help but see the world through empathy-colored glasses. (Yes, it's a thing. No, you can't buy them on Amazon).

As it turns out, YES, plenty of evidence shows that pivoting to empathy can bolster clarity, creativity, growth, and courage.

And in ways that may be clear as you read on, all four are intricately connected.

Clarity

Empathy is about stepping out of our shoes, considering other perspectives, listening without judgment, and assuming positive intentions and out-of-the-box possibilities. 

Self-empathy urges us to do all of the above for ourselves, lest fear, set mindsets, and toxic narratives cloud us.

Empathy enhances clarity because it resets our minds and hearts, allowing us to see the world anew and all its possibilities, all while fostering superior communication, critical thinking, and compassionate understanding—all key ingredients to clarity.

Creativity 

Empathy, with all the attributes I just outlined, forces us to step into the experience of others and ask hard questions, such as "What challenges are they facing?"

For example, in Design Thinking (DT), empathy is the first step in understanding users' needs to create innovative solutions. DT is a human-centered, iterative process used to understand users, challenge assumptions, redefine problems, and develop innovative solutions through empathy, ideation, prototyping, and testing.

Empathy is always first. Therefore, pivoting to empathy allows us to see the world from different perspectives, inspiring new ideas.

Growth 

Empathy is a cornerstone of growth because growth requires humility to learn from failures and mistakes—ours and others.

To learn from mistakes, we must foster a culture of experimentation where failing is an event, not a destination.

Empathy reminds us that when we are harsh on ourselves and others, we can’t grow because we can’t learn. This means that growing starts with self-empathy and empathy towards others, which helps build strong relationships and create a supportive environment for growth.

Courage

Empathy can bolster courage by creating a safe space for individuals to express themselves and act boldly.

When we understand and support each other, we feel more confident to take a courageous step out of our comfort zones.

Empathetic leaders are courageous leaders. They embrace vulnerability. They take action, despite fear and criticism, often moved by a deep sense of empathy and compassion for the welfare of others.

Your Turn: Pivoting to Empathy

"Ok, I'm ready! Empathy it is," you say? Great.

Let's get you a jump start with some tangible ideas to pivot to empathy based on the themes of Clarity, Creativity, Growth, and Courage:

Clarity through Empathy

• Practice active listening in your conversations, focusing on understanding the speaker's perspective without judging, fixing, preaching, or interrupting.

• Reflect on your thoughts and feelings through journaling. This practice can help you gain clarity on your emotions and reactions.

• Embrace vulnerability and bounce ideas with a trusted mentor, coach, or community. As a mentor used to say, "You can't look at yourself through your own magnifying glass. You need someone else's."

Creativity through Empathy

• Engage in a listening tour to understand the needs of the audience you are looking to reach with your ideas. Use empathy mapping to understand the needs and emotions of audience sectors, end users, or customers. This practice can help you focus on their perspective before you dive into your ideas.

• Collaborate with diverse teams to gain different perspectives.

• Take on a creative project that forces you to step into someone else's shoes, such as writing a story from another person's viewpoint or working with a new community.

Growth through Empathy

• Foster a culture of feedback in your workplace or personal life. Encourage constructive criticism and use it as a tool for growth.

• Set aside time for self-reflection and self-compassion. Acknowledge your mistakes and learn from them without harsh self-judgment.

• Build strong relationships by showing genuine interest in others' experiences and supporting their growth journeys. You grow when you help others grow.

Courage through Empathy

• Practice empathetic leadership by understanding and addressing the needs and concerns of your team.

• Take small, courageous steps outside your comfort zone, supported by a network of empathetic peers.

• Stand up for others in challenging situations, showing empathy and solidarity. This can inspire others to be courageous as well.

Remember that a pivot to empathy also Includes self-empathy.

Remember to be kind to yourself. Self-empathy involves recognizing your needs and emotions and treating yourself with the same compassion you offer others. This practice can help you maintain balance and resilience throughout the year.

Are you in?

Until the week,

Maria Keckler, Ph.D.
Author of Bridge Builders: How Superb Communicators Get What They Want
Creator of the Just One Pivot Letter
Founder of Keckler and Co.