100-Day Workout D&R

Word of the Month

Each month, there will be a meaningful, positive word posted around campus, underscoring UMMC’s values. The “Word of the Month” is a visual reminder of the institution’s standards when it comes to the promotion of a respectful and inclusive environment. Words are posted in the elevators and bulletin boards around campus. Managers are encouraged to post the word in their departments or units and to use the word as a “talking point” to stimulate dialogue with employees.


Definition:	The action of understanding, being aware of, being sensitive to, and vicariously experiencing the feelings, thoughts, and experience of another of either the past or present without having the feelings, thoughts, and experience fully communicated in an objectively explicit manner.
Suggested talking points and questions:	What does empathy look like? How does it feel? Research has determined that empathy is teachable. Is empathy a critical skill for a leader (in health care) to have? Self-empathy is helpful for us to remain empathetic to others. Do you practice self-empathy?
Quotes from UMMC employees:	“Sitting with my uncomfortable emotions and issues enlarges my empathy for others. Self-acceptance and self-compassion create the capacity to more readily comprehend and connect with others.” Doris Whitaker, M.Div., BCC Director Pastoral Services April 2020
Resource:	Article: "The Science of Empathy" - PDF Journal of Patient Experience