Have you ever been in a situation where you couldn't understand why someone did something that seemed so irrational to you? This is due to the cognitive bias known as the empathy gap.

This is a phenomenon in which people find it difficult to put themselves in other people's shoes and understand their point of view.

What is the empathy gap?

The empathy gap is the cognitive bias that prevents people from understanding others' points of view. It occurs when people cannot see things from another person's perspective and instead make judgments based on their own point of view. This can lead to problems in communication and decision-making.

For example,  imagine you are a manager who is trying to motivate your team. You might give a rousing speech about the importance of working hard and doing your best.

However, your employees may not be motivated by this because they can't relate to your perspective. They might be thinking about their own problems and how hard they are already working. To them, your speech may fall on deaf ears.

The empathy gap can also lead to poor decision-making. For example, a company might make a decision that is good for the bottom line but bad for employees.

The company leaders may not be able to see how this will impact employees because they are not in their shoes. This can lead to tension and conflict within the company.

How to overcome the empathy gap

The first step to overcoming the empathy gap is to be aware of it. When you find yourself making judgments about others, stop and try to see things from their perspective. This can be difficult, but it is important to remember that everyone has a different point of view.

The second step is to communicate with others. When you are trying to make a decision, talk to the people who will be affected by it. Hear their concerns and perspectives. This will help you make a decision that is best for everyone involved.

The empathy gap can be a difficult cognitive bias to overcome, but it is important to try. When you are aware of it, you can start to see things from other people's perspectives. This can help you communicate better and make better decisions.