• A deeper understanding of empathy in practice

    Explore what empathy really means, how it differs from sympathy, and how to apply it as an active skill that supports others and shifts your own perspective.

  • Deeper awareness of how you listen

    Learn to recognise the different levels of listening, identify what gets in your way, and develop the habits that make others feel genuinely heard.

  • Stronger, more trusting relationships

    Build the capacity to move from surface-level understanding to real emotional connection, in conversations that matter.

What it means to truly understand someone

This module helps you explore::

  • the difference between empathy and sympathy, and why it matters
  • how empathy can shift your own mindset as well as support others
  • the levels of listening, from ineffective levels through to the highest level of listening
  • what gets in the way of listening well, and how to manage it
  • how to recognise when and how to shift into deeper, more empathic listening


You are invited to look at your relationships with fresh awareness, developing the skills to respond with more presence, understanding, and care.

Why this matters

A breakdown in communication can happen without us even noticing: in a conversation that left someone feeling unheard; a misunderstanding that could have been avoided; a moment where you were present in the room but not really there.

When we listen with real attention and genuine curiosity about another person's experience, something shifts.

People feel safe enough to share more. Misunderstandings soften. Trust builds in ways that surface-level conversation simply can't reach.

This module is about developing that capacity, practically and deliberately, so it becomes a natural part of how you show up.
Start Today

Practical and experiential learning ...

Expect short, focused video lessons, real-world examples, practical exercises and guided reflection using a downloadable workbook. The emphasis is on real-life application, and providing skills you can use immediately in any conversation where someone needs to feel truly heard.

  • Bitesize and easy to fit around real life:
    With short lessons you can complete in around 60 minutes, this course fits easily into a lunch break or a quiet moment at home.

  • Backed by learning experts:
    The Shift is created by Vercium, learning and development specialists with years of experience supporting thousands of people to grow personally and professionally.

  • Skills that stay with you:
    Empathy and listening aren't one-time insights. The tools in this module are designed to be revisited and built on, deepening every relationship you apply them to.


About the Shift


The Shift is a space for practical, purposeful learning that supports real and transformative personal growth.

Created by experienced educators, our programmes blend psychology, coaching and behavioural science. They are grounded in evidence and designed to create meaningful, lasting change, helping you shift the way you think and behave, with skills you can return to whenever you need them.


The Shift Essentials is a learning curriculum designed to help you become the best version of yourself, both professionally and personally. It's the foundation of self-development, who we are, and it is at the heart of what The Shift is all about.

Understanding Others: Course Overview

Module 4 of The Shift Essentials Pillar 1: Emotional Intelligence

    1. Introduction & Overview

    2. Welcome to Emotional Intelligence: Understanding Others (Module 4)

    1. What's Inside: Exercise Overview

    2. Download Your Workbook

    1. Video Guide - Part 1: Empathy and Levels of Listening Introduction

    2. Video Guide - Part 2: Levels of Listening: Active & Empathic

    1. Moving Forward with Understanding Others

    2. What Next?
  • £30.00
  • 8 lessons
  • 0.5 hours of video content