Reverse coaching is one possible way of developing empathy.
Some may feel that empathy can't be taught but maybe with the right type of facilitation it can be learnt.
Based on the problem explored in the last blog of a manager having to inform an employee about redundancy and responding ineffectively to scripting because of a lack of empathy, here's an alternative strategy.
First, we create a simulation in which the manager is the one being told he will be made redundant. You, as the facilitator, do this badly and ask the manager to explore his feelings in the situation and then to coach you to do it better. This may take a few attempts before you get it right.
Finally, you reverse roles and get the manager to demonstrate giving you the redundancy news.
By placing him in the recipient role, you encourage him to connect with his feelings in order to empathise with others; by changing his role to that of coach, you get him to coach himself through you.
Neat idea? I call it reverse coaching; you might want to try it out.
Here's a short video explaining the importance of connection in empathy.
