In episode 120, Coffey talks with Wendy Williams about the importance of empathy in the workplace.

They discuss the difference between compassion, sympathy, empathy, and pity; the role of compassion in empathy; how empathy can help to navigate organizational conflict; the Gen Z experience and expectations in the workplace; the correlation between empathy and DEI efforts; and what practical skills to develop in order to build an empathic culture.

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About our Guest:

Wendy S. Williams, PhD, is a professor in the honors college at TCU, author, certified mindfulness instructor, and empathy trainer. She teaches empathy, mindfulness, and literature to college students and has published a number of articles and a book, George Eliot, Poetess.

As an empathy facilitator, she offers transformative, research-based, experiential empathy training designed to empower business leaders to create high-trust work environments, attract and keep top talent, and increase productivity and profits.

Wendy Williams can be reached at:

https://wendyswilliams.com 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendyswilliams

About Mike Coffey:

Mike Coffey is an entrepreneur, human resources professional, licensed private investigator, and HR consultant.

In 1999, he founded Imperative, a background investigations firm helping risk-averse companies make well-informed decisions about the people they involve in their business.

Today, Imperative serves hundreds of businesses across the US and, through its PFC Caregiver & Household Screening brand, many more private estates, family offices, and personal service agencies.

Mike has been recognized as an Entrepreneur of Excellence and has twice been named HR Professional of the Year.

Additionally, Imperative has been named the Texas Association of Business’ small business of the year and is accredited by the Professional Background Screening Association.

Mike is a member of the Fort Worth chapter of the Entrepreneurs’ Organization and volunteers with the SHRM Texas State Council.

Mike maintains his certification as a Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) through the HR Certification Institute. He is also a SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP).

Mike lives in Fort Worth with his very patient wife. He practices yoga and maintains a keto diet, about both of which he will gladly tell you way more than you want to know.

Learning Objectives:

1. Distinguish between compassion, sympathy, empathy, and pity in the workplace context.

2. Examine the role of empathy in resolving organizational conflict and fostering authentic DEI efforts.

3. Explore strategies to teach empathy and develop practical skills for an empathic culture.