The Empathy Imperative

What’s the crucial career strength that employers everywhere are seeking – even though hardly anyone is talking about it? A great way to find out is by studying this list of fast-growing occupations, as compiled by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Sports coaches and fitness trainers. Massage therapists, registered nurses and physical therapists. School psychologists, music tutors, preschool teachers and speech-language pathologists. Personal financial planners, chauffeurs and private detectives. These are among the fields expected to employ at least 20% more people in the U.S. by 2020.

Did you notice the common thread? Every one of these jobs is all about empathy.

via The Number One Job Skill in 2020 | LinkedIn

So, empathy should be a prime assessment in job hirings and training, performance reviews, and higher education graduation competency requirements. Why not?