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Guide

eGocentric verSuS empathetic thinKinG

As stated earlier, a problem is a perceived difference professors. It does not matter how valid your reason for not
between what is and what ought to be. When developing in- attending class; you may actually have been contagious
formation systems, it is critical for the development team to with a fever of 102. But, no matter what, your not coming
have a common definition and understanding of the prob- to class is more work for your professor. He or she must do
lem. This common understanding can be difficult to achieve, something extra to help you recover from the lost class time.
however. Using empathetic thinking, you would do all you can to
Cognitive scientists distinguish between egocentric and minimize the impact of your absence on your professor. For
empathetic thinking. Egocentric thinking centers on the self; example, you could say, “I couldn’t come to class, but I got the
someone who engages in egocentric thinking considers his or class notes from Mary. I read through them, and I have a question
her view as “the real view” or “what really is.” In contrast, about establishing alliances as competitive advantage. . . . Oh,
those who engage in empathetic thinking consider their view by the way, I’m sorry to trouble you with my problem.”
as one possible interpretation of the situation and actively Before we go on, let’s consider a corollary to this scenario:
work to learn what other people are thinking. Never, ever, send an email to your boss that says, “I couldn’t
Different experts recommend empathetic thinking for come to the staff meeting on Wednesday. Did we do anything
different reasons. Religious leaders say that such thinking is important?” Avoid this for the same reasons as those for miss-
morally superior; psychologists say that empathetic think- ing class. Instead, find a way to minimize the impact of your
ing leads to richer, more fulfilling relationships. In business, absence on your boss.
empathetic thinking is recommended because it is smart. Now, what does all of this have to do with MIS? Consider
Business is a social endeavor, and those who can understand the Falcon Security team at the start of this chapter. What is
others’ points of view are always more effective. Even if you the problem? Cam thinks a big problem is that Felix doesn’t
do not agree with others’ perspectives, you will be much come to meetings. Felix thinks the team is focused on the
better able to work with them if
you understand their views.
Consider an example. Sup pose
you say to your MIS professor, “Pro-
fessor Jones, I couldn’t come to class
last Monday. Did we do anything
important?” Such a statement is a
prime example of egocentric think-
ing. It takes no account of your pro-
fessor’s point of view and implies
that your professor talked about
nothing important. As a professor,
it is tempting to say, “No, when I no-
ticed you weren’t there, I took out
all the important material.”
To engage in empathetic
thinking, consider this situa-
tion from the professor’s point of
view. Students who do not come
to class cause extra work for their
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