Empathy - a Basic Human Competence?

     "Employers prizing empathy in high-paying jobs stretch far beyond the predictable 'compassion sector' organizations such as hospitals, clinics and foundations. They also include global heavyweights in the fiercely competitive worlds of tech, finance, consulting, aerospace and pharmaceuticals. Say hello to Microsoft, Dell, Symantec, Mars, Barclays Capital, McKinsey, Raytheon, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Pfizer and Abbott Laboratories. ...
     At a dinner this week, Eric Openshaw, head of Deloitte's U.S. technology, media and telecom practice, mentioned that 60% to 65% of white-collar productivity involves sorting out exceptions. That's a big number for situations where the routine rules aren't sufficient. Addressing that challenge calls for people who can use both their heads and hearts." 
     George Anders "The 'Soft Skill' That Pays $100,000+" http://www.linkedin.com/today/post/article/20130626195513-59549-empathy-and-jobs-that-pay-100-000?trk=mta-lnk

S Yeh   www.dpreview.com