Empathy in Action: Workplace Edition

Shannon Janovitz

Tier 1

Lesson Plan

Empathy in Action: Workplace Edition

Understanding empathy in professional settings

This lesson focuses on teaching students the importance of empathy in the workplace through interactive activities such as role-playing and discussions. By engaging in these activities, students will develop skills necessary for empathetic interactions in their future careers, fostering a positive work environment and enhancing teamwork.

Audience

12th Grade Students

Time

2 hours

Approach

Understanding empathy in professional settings

Materials

Post-it notes, Pens, Role-playing scenarios, Discussion questions, and Guest speaker outline

Step 1

Introduction

10 mins

Begin with a brief discussion on what empathy means.
Ask students to share examples of empathetic behavior they have observed or experienced.

Step 2

Role-Playing Activity

30 mins

Divide students into small groups.
Provide each group with a role-playing scenario that involves a workplace conflict.
Instruct students to act out the scenario, focusing on empathetic communication and resolution.

Step 3

Discussion

20 mins

Reconvene as a class and discuss the role-playing activity.
Use the provided discussion questions to guide the conversation about the importance of empathy in resolving workplace conflicts.

Step 4

Guest Speaker

30 mins

Introduce a guest speaker who can share real-world experiences about empathy in the workplace.
Allow time for students to ask questions and engage with the speaker.

Step 5

Reflection and Closure

30 mins

Ask students to reflect on what they learned about empathy and how they can apply it in their future careers.
Encourage students to write a short reflection on a post-it note and share it with the class.

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Discussion

Discussion Questions: Empathy in the Workplace

This discussion will help students explore the role of empathy in professional settings, focusing on its impact on workplace dynamics and conflict resolution.

Why is empathy important in the workplace?

Discuss how empathy can improve communication, teamwork, and conflict resolution.

Can you think of a situation where empathy changed the outcome of a workplace conflict?

Encourage students to share personal experiences or hypothetical scenarios.

How can we practice empathy in our daily interactions at work?

Explore practical strategies for demonstrating empathy, such as active listening and open communication.