Authenticity vs. Empathy

We all know the artist or creative who boasts being authentic. While there is a lot to be said for being “true to yourself” or having a point of view, often times authenticity becomes the enemy of empathy.

If you plant your flag on the hill of “being authentic” it can quickly become

a wall to hide behind that entrenches you in your own perspective.

As a business owner or an artist, the hardest thing that can be done is to

come out from the safe zone of authenticity and begin to wade out into the unknown waters of empathy. To put yourself in the shoes of your customer, client, audience, or even your spouse.

Your best contribution to the world has yet to be seen because you have yet to see the world through the eyes of your customer.