# Gear Up Questions:
1. Empathy has helped me to better understand the world and the individuals I encounter. How else could you navigate the intricacies of life? I've met people from around the globe and the fundamental thing we all share is our collective human experience. It enables us to connect and relate with each other despite any differences.
2. The sole purpose of software is to provide utility and an overall plesant experience to the user. By understanding people, you're able to deliver the functionality required while simultaneously satisfying their wants and needs in one fell swoop. It's a win-win.
3. A team that facilitates productive collaboration is predicated on empathy in the truest sense. Afterall, it's impossible to work towards a common goal without first establishing COMMON ground. This permits every member to be heard and provide valuable feedback.
4. Recently, a close friend and I were working on a project when I noticed he wasn't meeting our formerly agreed upon deadlines. After some careful inquiry it came to my attention that "John" and his girlfriend had broken up just a couple days ago. We discussed the matter in great detail and I ended up finishing the assignment so he could process his emotions in the absense of external pressure.
5. The biggest impediment to empathy in a professional setting is often an overly preoccupied mind. I find by focusing on my breath and remaining present to the current moment I'm able to counteract the erosion of general awareness that stress seems to induce. There's always room for improvement though!