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Empathy - Gateway to Creativity

 Empathy - Gateway to Creativity
Developing an empathic way of being.

Many people still believe empathy is only for maintaining well-being, healing personal problems and for conflict mediation.  While it is great at that, many do not realize empathy is a primary source for creativity, innovation and action.  In order to creatively solve problems and innovate together, we need to connect deeply with the feelings and needs of others. From deep connection with our common humanity, profound creativity, innovation and actions can arise that addresses and solves foundational problems, not just surface, superficial ones.

Creative artists know that empathy is also fun and makes for wonderful creative dance, theater, music, etc. As the actor Meryl Streep (follow this link for videos and transcripts of Ms. Streep speaking on empathy and creativity), who was nominated for 19 Academy Awards says,

“I’ve thought a lot about the power of empathy. In my work, it’s the current that connects me and my actual pulse to a fictional character in a made up story, it allows me to feel, pretend feelings and sorrows and imagined pain… empathy is the engine that powers all the best in us.”

Finally, see below the powerful and practical ways Empathic Design offers tools for fostering creativity and innovation.

Warmly
Edwin Rutsch
Director: Center for Building a Culture of Empathy.
Painting: Music Making Angels, Peter Paul Rubins

 Empathy - Gateway to Creativity
 Empathy - Gateway to Creativity
Empathy – Gateway to Creativity

“We’ve found that figuring out what other people actually need is what leads to the most significant innovations. In other words, empathy is a gateway to the better and sometimes surprising insights that can help distinguish your idea or approach.” by David & Tom Kelley: IDEO

 Empathy - Gateway to Creativity
In the News
*  Everyone Should See “Inside Out”. empathy & social skills
Empathy Circles for Everyone  Empathic design workshop report
Why use an Empathy Map? synthesize our observations
*  Empathy Is Actually a Choice. (NY Times)  reply to empathy critics
A New Study Says America Is Losing Its Empathy. take action*  Study: Teaching kids how to do chores boosts work ethic and empathy.*  The importance of teaching children empathy. build & maintain relationships
Empathy - Gateway to Creativity
 Empathy - Gateway to Creativity
Increasing Creativity

“The best product managers, designers, product teams, and leaders are experts at practicing empathy… these characteristics are what can catalyze your creativity and your collaboration.”  Practical Empathy: For Collaboration and Creativity in Your Work by Indi Young

 Empathy - Gateway to Creativity
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