Written by My Collaborative Team President, Edward S. Sachs, ACP

One of the cornerstones of the Collaborative Process is Empathy.  Empathy is the ability to put yourself in somebody else’s shoes and to better understand the other person by getting to know their perspective.

We must be empathetic to uphold our Ethical Standards.  Standard 3.2A requires the Collaborative Professional to respect each client’s self-determination, recognizing that ultimately the clients are responsible for making the decisions that resolve their matter.  This sometimes means acquiescing to the client’s desires despite our own feelings or concerns.

If empathy is the goal, implicit bias is the obstacle.   Implicit bias is a form of bias that occurs automatically and unintentionally, that nevertheless affects judgments, decisions, and behaviors. As Collaborative Professionals we must be aware of any bias we bring to the table.  Ethical Standard 3.2D requires the Collaborative Professional to consider the impact that the professional’s experiences, values, opinions, beliefs, and behaviors will have on the Collaborative matter. 

How many times have you told your client that what they are doing, or proposing is wrong?  Is that your bias getting in the way?

It is critical that as Collaborative Professionals we become aware and sensitive to whatever biases we bring to the Process.

Have biases gotten in the way of any of your Collaborative matters?  We would like to hear your story.