The Thirty-Third Question: Empathy GPS

Trying to understand why you care.

Some of you may know that I’ve been on a bit of a walkabout, as far as my career journey goes, the past year. In that process, I’ve sat for a number of interviews with prospective clients, prospective employers, and advocates who have asked me any number of questions about my past work experiences, goals, strengths, weaknesses, and more.

A lot of the questions are the standard stock we all know, but every now and again I am surprised by a question that really knocks me off my feet. They’re often more personally-driven (that is, asking about my identity and values) than I’m expecting, and they’re the questions that are always the most useful (as a way to learn more about their culture, and about myself).

So this week, I’m sharing one of these questions with you.

Where does your empathy come from?

Big question, right? I struggled to answer and really had to think about it for a bit.

Let’s see what you come up with.

And sorry, no shortcut questions this week. You’re going to have to grapple with this one just like I did!

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