Source: IRWA
How compassion plays a role in acquiring property for infrastructure real estate projects
BY GORDON E. MACNAIR, SR/WA, AACI, P.APP
Empathy is not just a virtue — it’s a vital tool in property acquisition for infrastructure real estate projects. In a previous article titled "Global Infrastructure Real Estate" (Right of Way Magazine, Jan/Feb 2024), I highlighted the importance of empathy and compassion in this field. This article delves deeper, offering real-world examples that illustrate how understanding and compassion can transform emotionally charged negotiations into meaningful partnerships.
What is Empathy?
Empathy, often described as "walking in someone else’s shoes," is the ability to deeply understand and connect with another person’s feelings and perspectives. In property acquisition, it involves acknowledging the emotional toll on affected owners while working collaboratively toward fair and respectful solutions.
Empathy vs. Sympathy in Property Acquisition
Understanding the difference between empathy and sympathy is essential in property acquisition, where interactions can profoundly impact lives. Empathy and sympathy, though often used interchangeably, represent fundamentally different approaches to engaging with others’ emotions. Empathy is the active process of stepping into another person’s shoes, striving to deeply understand their feelings, experiences and perspectives without judgment. It builds connection and rapport by conveying, "I understand what you’re going through."
In contrast, sympathy involves expressing pity or sorrow for someone else’s situation, which can unintentionally create a sense of separation or imbalance in the relationship. Sympathy often carries the sentiment, "I feel bad for you," which, while well-meaning, may lack the depth of understanding necessary in emotionally charged situations.
In property acquisition, empathy is a cornerstone of effective communication and negotiation. By genuinely connecting with property owners, acquisition professionals can better address concerns, alleviate fears and collaborate on solutions that balance project needs with individual impacts. Sympathy, however, can risk sounding condescending or dismissive, particularly when property owners have a deep emotional attachment to their land. Moreover, sympathy can impair an agent’s ability to remain objective, potentially hindering the negotiation process and the achievement of fair outcomes.
By prioritizing empathy over sympathy, professionals can foster trust, strengthen relationships and navigate challenging conversations with integrity and compassion.
Real-Life Examples of Empathy in Action
Empathy is not just about understanding another person’s perspective — it is about connecting with their emotions and responding with compassion. These real-life examples demonstrate how empathy can transform seemingly transactional negotiations into moments of understanding and collaboration.
In 2024, during a course I co-taught with a lawyer friend, he shared two poignant stories that underscore the emotional depth of property acquisition.
In the first example, a property owner had lost all her hair. Initially, my colleague assumed she was undergoing chemotherapy, but upon engaging with her, he discovered the truth — her hair loss was caused by extreme stress stemming from a proposed infrastructure project that threatened her family’s property. By truly listening and understanding her situation, he acknowledged the profound emotional toll such projects can have. Through empathy, he was able to offer her the compassion and support she desperately needed during this challenging time.
In another instance, the spouse of a farmer confided her concerns about her husband’s suicidal thoughts after learning that their family farm — a cherished legacy passed down through generations — would be significantly affected by a proposed project. This deeply emotional moment revealed how personal and historical ties to land amplify the distress of property acquisition. Recognizing this, my colleague approached the farmer with patience and genuine empathy. He not only addressed the practical aspects of compensation but also offered emotional reassurance, ensuring that the farmer felt heard, valued and supported.
These stories remind us that behind every negotiation or project map are real people with unique lives, histories and emotions. Empathy allows us to bridge the gap between policy and humanity, fostering trust and collaborative solutions that honour the individual while achieving broader project goals.
Insights from the U.K.’s Compulsory Purchase Association(CPA)
The importance of empathy in property acquisition isn’t confined to one region. At the IRWA International Annual Education Conference in Long Beach, Meyric Lewis, KC, shared insights from the U.K.’s Compulsory Purchase Association (CPA),highlighting the profound human and professional challenges faced during compulsory acquisitions. His presentation underscored several critical themes:
1. The Human Impact of Public Projects: There is a growing recognition of how planning and implementing public projects disrupts lives, often creating significant emotional and psychological challenges for those affected.
2. Workplace Pressures on Professionals: Industry professionals frequently face stress—not only from their demanding workloads but also from the emotional toll of empathizing with property owners facing life-changing impacts.
3. Mental Health Awareness: The CPA has surveyed its members to better understand the mental health challenges faced by professionals and those affected by compulsory acquisitions.
One particularly striking quote from CPA member Colin Smith, a mutual friend, encapsulated the moral responsibility inherent in infrastructure projects: "When you are taking someone’s property, you are messing with their lives."
This powerful statement highlights the profound human element of property acquisition and reinforces the critical role of empathy in every interaction. Empathy goes beyond understanding the practical implications of acquisition; it involves acknowledging the emotional and psychological impact these changes have on individuals and communities.
Meyric’s insights resonated deeply with me, as they align closely with the themes I explore in my article on empathy. Whether in Canada, the U.K., or beyond, infrastructure professionals must prioritize empathy to build trust, mitigate distress and foster meaningful connections with those impacted by their work. By understanding and addressing the emotional dimensions of property acquisition, we not only fulfill our professional responsibilities but also demonstrate the compassion and humanity that these complex situations demand.
