Ask HN: How to build empathy?
Here is one tip: when someone tells you something, even it is a problem they are having, they don't want you propose a solution. What they want is to heard. If they really want you to suggest a solution to their problem, they will ask you directly: "Can you suggest what I should do about this?"Example: "My manager really demands too much of me!"
Good: "I am sorry to hear that."
Bad: "Why don't you arrange a 1 on 1 and tell him that his demands are decreasing your productivity, which is obviously against his interests".Only offer the second comment if you are asked directly!