Conscious Empathy

𝘈𝘶𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘤𝘪𝘵𝘺 is a complex characteristic because it contains so many overlapping qualities.

When we talk about authenticity, we include traits like transparency, honesty, relationship-oriented, and more agreeable. It is also adaptive with strong indicators of mental health and wellbeing.

An authentic person is true to their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. They appear more conscientious and are dependable as they are committed to align their words with their actions. To me, it includes the quality of integrity.

𝘙𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘴 is a feature of authenticity with distinctions. Recent research from Hopwood et al. (2021) defined it as “a relatively stable tendency to act on the outside the way one feels on the inside without regard for personal or social consequences.”

Realness prioritizes genuineness, however, it does so over social graces, politeness, or caring about the kind of impression one makes on others.

Being real has potential costs and consequences to how one carries out those behaviors and are very observable in social situations. For example, our emotional responses to a politician’s incorrect language or laying off employees over a Zoom call.

Standing up for what we believe in is a positive attribute when also considered with the awareness of others. 

While both being authentic and real comes with understanding one’s personal intentions and beliefs, authenticity typically has the added qualities of awareness, self-reflection, and a level of maturity. Those who know themselves are not afraid to let others shine and share information knowing that others can succeed without loss of self-worth or esteem.

They are self-directed and do not accept deception of any kind – not within themselves or others.

Conscious empathy allows us to live according to our values with compassion, conscientiousness, and credibility. The addition of improved self-awareness, reflection, and awareness of others improves us and our leadership or workplace.

What other traits would you associate with authenticity?