Perspective taking more effective than empathy

Daniel Pink:

The research shows that perspective-taking and empathy are similar -- but not quite the same. Empathy is more about understanding the other person's emotions -- what he or she is feeling. Perspective-taking is more about understanding the other person's interests -- what he or she is thinking. Both are important. But the research shows that perspective-taking is slightly more effective in moving others. So while leaders should work to understand what others are feeling, they should also work to understand what they're thinking -- the reasons they might be opposed to doing something.