Today we recall that time, one year ago, when television journalist Ann Curry reminded us that effective journalists and medical providers share one crucial trait: empathy. An ability to listen deeply and connect powerfully has “made me a better journalist, and it makes you better doctors,” she told attendees at Learn Serve Lead 2020.
As we are in football season, you might be interested to know that the NFL is experiencing an empathy problem. And, likely, a communication problem. According to this article by sports writer Nora Princiotti:
“The NFL’s most recent evolutionary life cycles have been about data and schemes. Analytics, player-tracking data, aggressive management of the salary cap, and offenses lifted from the college game are all hallmarks of successful franchises in 2021. But in the race to optimize, some teams have tripped for reasons as basic as poor communication with players or unhealthy competition between departments within their organization. Cutting-edge teams have faltered by failing to navigate the messy convergence of player empowerment, constant news coverage, ownership demands, and the integration of objective data into team decision-making. There’s a new frontier for teams to explore: In a league obsessed with gaining the slimmest of edges, empathy may offer a competitive advantage.”
Do you have an example of someone displaying empathy in action (or perhaps where they need to practice it more?) Share it with us.
------------------------------
Penny Schnarrs
Virtual Communities Program Manager
Association of American Medical Colleges
------------------------------