You never really understand another person until you consider things from his point of view – until you climb inside of his skin and walk around in it. Harper Lee, ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’

The latest neuroscience research shows that 98% of human beings have the ability to empathise wired in their brains. (Exceptions to this rule include psychopaths.) However, many of us fail to tap into the full potential of our empathy capabilities, according to an article by the BBC (see page 8). In this Q. Guide we explore empathy – and the absence of it – and look at ways in which we can improve our use of it in everyday situations and as a manager or leader. We are not required to like or agree with how other people see things. Instead, we can all do better appreciating why and how others see situations, the world or us. Before reading further, look at these two pictures. Which word best describes what the person is thinking or feeling? (See ‘Links & ideas’ to find out more).