Ever had one of those conversations where all you really wanted was for someone to listen—not to fix you or give you advice, but just to understand where you were coming from? We’ve all been there, and in those moments, nothing feels more powerful than this need: being understood.
If you’re the listener, here’s how you can offer understanding to the person you’re with:
• Pause. Just listen. Try to avoid, “I know exactly what you mean.” “That’s happened to me too.”Just be there and say much less, so they have space.
• Reflect what you’re hearing. A simple, “Sounds like you’re feeling overwhelmed because you didn’t get the support you were hoping for,” can go a long way. It’s not about getting it perfect; it’s about showing you’re truly paying attention.
• Let them be in their experience. Empathy isn’t about solving or fixing things. Once a person is in touch with their needs, they’ll come up with their own strategies for moving forward.
Our GROK Feelings and Needs cards (here are some free ones) are a great tool for building those empathy muscles. If you’re ready to dive deeper, they’re here to help you put names to the feelings and needs that are bubbling up in you or someone else.
PS. For a demo, head to youtube.com/@GROK-the-World and take a look! 🦒💛