Should you walk a mile in my shoes when I want your empathy?

I recall hearing the phrase 'walk a mile in their shoes' when I was younger. My parents advised me to consider myself in their shoes before passing judgment. Recognize their predicament. A common reminder to cultivate understanding. It turns out having common feelings is not the same as empathy. I've been misleading both myself and others. 

It was time to distinguish between 'walking in someone else’s shoes' and having empathy. 

- Walking before judging means living and experiencing what it's like to be in the same situation. 

- According to the Oxford English Dictionary, empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of another (person). This means hearing what their perspective is and saying back what you heard.

They experience empathy when they feel heard and understood. 

This distinction matters - Why? 

Buyers attach influence and pay attention to someone who understands them in a sales setting. The prospect quits listening when the seller does not understand or even attempts to figure it out. When working on a deal, which position is more valuable?

Outsiders have a more profound perspective by walking in someone else's shoes. This always pays off. It does not grant them empathy.

Are you pondering my thoughts on this post?  Share what is on your mind at converse@marketenabledsales.com