The economics of empathy

We use Google Maps and pins to get to our destinations. In the past, we asked for directions, and even physical maps were rare. I noted we rarely gave the correct directions either verbally or in writing, despite getting the best grade in geography. Not surprising; we got so used to our locality that we never realised strangers were "strangers." We omitted lots of details unconsciously. The same applies to other tasks; we get so used that we stop thinking about them. Do you think when wearing shoes? When changing gears, if your car is manual? When chewing? Let's get closer to home. I always wondered why my mother never weighed salt or flour, but somehow always got it right in salting food or cooking uji or ugali. We can quickly add that is efficiency, pragmatism. But this familiarity can be a problem, an enemy of productivity and, by extension, economic growth. If you are giving instructions or helping someone, you can easily skip some important details because it's so obvious to you. You should put yourself in the shoes of the person getting instructions or help. Do you anticipate their difficulties? A good example: if your calculus teacher did not tell you that differentiation is another way of getting the gradient (remember y=mx +c?) then calculus is still a black box. One reason students hate school is because we never empathise; we teach about things they have never seen, whether it's the sciences or the social sciences, e.g the radiator when there are no cars at home, Zinjanthropus, not Taylor Swift. The lack of empathy is misinterpreted as confidence and toughness. But it's counterproductive in the long run. Some firms come up with standard operating procedures. But that can't capture everything, including our emotions, fears and past experiences. Once workers or even students realise you have no empathy, they "switch" off and do what they must to keep their jobs; no longer going beyond the call of duty. Do you recall reading a novel during maths lessons? Workers or even students will have no time for creativity or innovation. One easy solution to creating empathy is rising through the ranks. You are expected to "understand" your followers better. Remember why the hustler narrative was so captivating? In education, only the first choices should be taken for the Bachelor of Education (B.Ed) degree. Their passion could lead to empathy. Carpetbaggers are a big drain on productivity. It does not matter if it's in politics or corporate leadership. Why else were our parents so effective? They could easily get into our shoes and anticipate our next course of action. Today, empathy is gone. The consequences are there for all to see! Next time someone asks for something, help or assistance, empathise. That is from the state house to the streets. Have you been a victim of non-empathy? Do you empathise? Talk to us.

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The economics of empathy

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