Reflecting on all of the various posts from recent events in Washington prompted me to think about the power of empathy. In the People Skills Handbook on EQ competencies and perspectives created by several colleagues and myself, we explored the topic as Active Empathy, one of 54 competencies we can lear to enhance. We wrote: ACTIVE EMPATHY Understanding how and why others feel the way they do and conveying it effectively Walk a mile in my moccasins and you will know my journey. — Saying from the Cherokee Nation Talented Expression of Active Empathy o Demonstrates deep sensitivity to others’ feelings, needs and goals through generous listening o Makes fine distinctions in the verbal and nonverbal communication of others (tone of voice, eye contact, word choice) o Asks open-ended questions designed to better understand others and their feelings o Sits comfortably with someone in silence when appropriate o Identifies emotions in others and is able to c