Question

Career expert Andrea Kay stresses that knowing oneself and showing empathy are important components of the soft skills that make people employable: "Many, many jobs are lost and careers derailed because of the way people act with each other, respond to stress, or deal with a conflict.… If you don't understand how you come across, or get swept away in your emotions, or don't recognize how others feel, how can you approach a difficult conversation with sensitivity to the other person?"Footnote Have you ever been surprised at how you came across to others or misread another person's feelings? (L.O. 1)

Answer 1

Answer and Explanation:

Yes, I have. As a matter of fact, both those things have happened multiple times. There were several moments when I thought I was saying something playful or merely nothing of consequence, but someone reacted in a way that caught me by surprise. I realized we sometimes forget the golden rule of thinking before speaking. It only takes a couple of seconds, but it can spare everyone involved in the conversation a great deal of stress and justifications.

On the other hand, there were times when I myself misread someone's feelings. I tend, for instance, to take things personally even when someone's behavior is not related to me. It is crucial to keep in mind that, when we deal with a person, we are dealing with much more than what meets the eye at that moment. This person has a personal as well as a professional life, both likely stressful and demanding. Compassion and empathy must be always present when trying to figure someone's feelings out.

NOTE: Feel free to edit and adapt this answer to your own experiences.