Apart from intellectual competency and moral qualities, empathy and compassion are some of the other viral attributes that facilitate the civil servants to be more competent in tackling the crucial issues or taking critical decisions. Explain with suitable illustrations. [2022]

Empathy and compassion are important qualities for civil servants to possess as they can help them to be more effective in their roles. Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of others, while compassion is the desire to alleviate suffering and to help those in need.

There are several ways in which empathy and compassion can facilitate the work of civil servants:

Improved communication and understanding: By demonstrating empathy and compassion, civil servants can create a more positive and understanding environment, which can help to improve communication with the people they serve.
Greater trust and respect: Civil servants who show empathy and compassion towards others are more likely to be trusted and respected by the people they serve. This can help to build stronger relationships and create a more collaborative and supportive environment.
Better decision making: Civil servants who are able to understand the needs and perspectives of others are more likely to make decisions that are fair and just. This can help to improve the quality of service delivery and lead to better outcomes for the people they serve.
Increased motivation and engagement: Civil servants who are motivated by a desire to help others and make a positive impact are more likely to be engaged and motivated in their work. This can lead to better performance and improved outcomes.

For example, a civil servant who is responsible for managing a food assistance program may use their empathy and compassion to understand the needs of the people they serve and to make decisions that reflect those needs. They may also use their empathy and compassion to build trust and respect with the people they serve, which can help to create a more collaborative and supportive environment. Overall, empathy and compassion can be crucial qualities for civil servants to possess in order to be effective in their roles and to make a positive impact on the people they serve.