Where does empathy rank on your list of important communication skills?
For me, it may be number 1.
Here’s why: when we empathize with other people — meaning we try to relate, understand and show interest/care for their interests, beliefs, ideas, etc.— what generally happens is people become more open and receptive to our own interests, beliefs and ideas.
And if the goal of communicating is to exchange ideas effectively, then empathy would seem to be a key element to effective communication.
The question is: why would someone want to listen to, or communicate with us, if we don’t show empathy toward them?