Brené and Adam Grant on Empathy vs. Enmeshment

In this episode of Dare to Lead, Brené Brown and Adam Grant delve into the complexities of empathy, distinguishing between cognitive and affective empathy, with Brown introducing the concept of "enmeshment" to describe the dangers of taking on others' feelings. They critique the oversimplification of empathy in modern discourse and explore how an oversaturation of graphic imagery can lead to compassion fatigue and dehumanization. Drawing on personal anecdotes and research, they advocate for maintaining healthy emotional boundaries and engaging with information in a way that promotes understanding and accountability rather than emotional overload. The conversation highlights the importance of nuance and critical thinking when examining complex social and emotional constructs.