From The Imaginary Foundation:

Empathy is one of the most valuable applications of our imagination: the ability to imagine what it’s like to be someone else. Cultural historian Roman Krznaric gives a great talk on the art of empathy.

Six Habits of Highly Empathic People:
1) cultivate curiosity about strangers
2) challenge prejudices and discover commonalities
3) get into the “extreme sport” of experiential empathy
4) practice the art of conversation (listen and share)
5) inspire mass action and social change
6) develop an ambitious imagination (extend empathy not just to the downtrodden)

Source: The Six Habits of Empathic People