Accessing Empathy and Humility to Become a Better Advisor Across Cultures

Abstract

This chapter examines the use of empathy and humility when connecting with students who are different from advisors' own social identities. The best advisors and counselors demonstrate deep caring for students and an appreciation for their experiences and circumstances. Great advisors also have a deep understanding of their own identities. Therefore, this chapter explores ways to learn to access and practice empathy and gives examples of how humility can lead to the development of nuanced advising and counseling skills. Numerous real-life examples of mistakes and missteps from the experience of the author are described, and the deep learning that resulted is revealed. The role of the COVID-19 pandemic is also explored as current societal situation calls for higher education leadership to practice compassion, empathy, and grace. The role of courage, authenticity, and transparency in higher education practice is also reviewed.