The Empathy Set

Welcome to the core of John Ford & Associates—where empathy, communication, and conflict resolution converge to transform the workplace and beyond.

About John Ford & Associates

Founded by John Ford, a seasoned mediator with a passion for emotional intelligence, John Ford & Associates stands as a beacon for those navigating the complexities of interpersonal relationships in the workplace. From the tactile Empathy Set cards to the innovative app, and from the insightful dictionary to the culturally rich Talking Sticks—the Zulu beaded and the Giraffe NVC—our offerings are designed to foster understanding, communication, and resolution in various facets of life. We are committed to empowering individuals and organizations with the tools to thrive in harmony.

Meet John Ford

Hello, I'm John Ford. With over three decades of dedication to resolving conflicts, my journey began in the legal fields of Namibia and matured in the diverse professional landscape of the San Francisco Bay Area. Here, my role has evolved to encompass that of a workplace mediator, soft-skills trainer, and an educator at institutions such as UC Law SF. As the author of "Peace at Work," I've shaped the dialogue on workplace mediation and the significance of emotional literacy in professional settings.

The Empathy Set: A Confluence of Tools for Emotional Literacy

It was during a retreat at Mount Madonna, guided by the esteemed John Kinyon, that the seeds for The Empathy Set were planted. Captivated by the profound simplicity of a deck of cards designed to reflect a range of feelings and needs—inspired by Marshall Rosenberg's Nonviolent Communication—I envisioned a specialized version for the workplace. This vision came to fruition as The Empathy Set, a tool crafted to address the unique emotional and relational nuances of professional environments.

The Dictionary of Feelings and Needs: Language as a Vessel for Empathy

The journey from tactile cards to an insightful dictionary was driven by my understanding of language as a potent force in conflict resolution. Miscommunication is often at the heart of conflict, and a precise vocabulary can be the key to unlocking empathy and understanding. Hence, The Dictionary of Feelings and Needs was born—providing not just words, but a pathway to 'naming it to tame it,' reducing stress and facilitating a healing process that Gestalt theory encapsulates as 'feeling it to heal it.'

Extending the Vision: From Cards to Digital Application

The success of The Empathy Set and the transformative feedback it garnered led to its evolution into a digital format. The Empathy Set app, along with this dictionary, offers definitions and synonyms for an expanded emotional vocabulary, enhancing your emotional intelligence toolkit. This digital leap embodies my belief in the power of technology to widen the scope of empathy and understanding.

Invitation to Discovery

Whether through the tactility of The Empathy Set cards or the interactive experience of the app, these tools are your companions on a journey toward heightened emotional awareness and relational harmony. I invite you to explore these resources and join a community dedicated to nurturing a more empathic world, one word—and one interaction—at a time.

Discover more about The Empathy Set and begin your journey:

• Cards: www.empathyset.com

• Mobile Application: www.empathysetapp.com

Your path to emotional intelligence and workplace harmony awaits.

Warm regards,

John Ford, Oakland, CA