What is the term for the ability to understand and share the feelings of another?

The term for the ability to understand and share the feelings of another is empathy. This concept goes beyond simply recognizing someone else's emotions; it involves putting oneself in another person's shoes and experiencing their feelings as if they were your own. Empathy is crucial in customer service as it enables representatives to connect with customers, understand their concerns deeply, and respond in a manner that acknowledges those feelings.

In contrast, sympathy involves feeling pity or sorrow for someone else's misfortune but does not include the same depth of understanding that empathy requires. Compassion is closely related to empathy but often implies a desire to help someone who is suffering. Patience, while important in customer service, refers to the ability to remain calm and not become frustrated, which does not necessarily involve understanding others’ emotions.