Written By Cari Borden
“I feel you.” That’s empathy.
“I’ll help you.” That’s compassion.
We often toss these words around like they’re interchangeable , and while they live in the same neighborhood, they don’t reside in the same house.
So, what’s the difference?
And more importantly… which one do we need more of right now?
🤔 Empathy: The Emotional Mirror
Empathy is the ability to understand and feel what someone else is going through.
You sense their fear. Their frustration. Their exhaustion.
And maybe you even get a little uncomfortable with how familiar it feels.
Empathy is:
- Listening deeply
- Feeling their emotions without judgment
- Holding space for their experience
But empathy has a limit.
It doesn’t require action it just requires connection.
Which means it can also be passive.
(Spoiler alert: that’s not always helpful.)
❤️ Compassion: Empathy’s Older, Wiser Sibling
Compassion includes empathy — but then it moves.
It takes that emotional connection and says,
“What can I do to help?”
Compassion is:
- Empathy in motion
- Responsibility with heart
- A decision to relieve pain, not just recognize it
Compassion doesn’t require a grand gesture.
Sometimes it’s:
- Giving someone time to breathe.
- Offering clarity instead of control.
- Saying, “Take care of yourself first, the rest can wait.”
🌎 Why We Need More Compassion — Now More Than Ever
We’re living in a world of burnout, overwhelm, and performative care.
Too many leaders say, “We see you,”
But fewer follow up with, “And we’ve got you.”
We don’t need more corporate empathy statements.
We need:
- Policies that reflect human needs.
- Workplaces that make room for mental health.
- Leaders who model compassion in behavior, not just words.
🔍 How to Spot the Difference
| Empathy Sounds Like: | Compassion Sounds Like: |
|---|---|
| “That must be so hard.” | “That sounds hard, let’s take something off your plate.” |
| “I get it.” | “What can I do to support you?” |
| “I’ve felt that way too.” | “Let me help you not feel that way alone.” |
Empathy is a bridge.
Compassion is the walk across it.
🧭 Final Thought: Start Where You Are
You don’t need to fix the world today.
But you can make your part of it a little less heavy for someone else.
If you’re in a leadership role (or a human role, they’re the same, honestly), ask yourself:
- Am I just hearing, or am I helping?
- Am I leading with my head, or with my heart and my hands?
Because these days, a little compassion goes a very long way.
✨ Call to Action:
If you’re ready to lead with more than just performance metrics and want a mentor who teaches both heart and hustle let’s connect.
Lead With Your Heart 
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