As Bill Gates pointed out in a Stanford commencement speech, “If we’re going to make our optimism matter to everyone and empower people everywhere, we have to see the lives of those most in need. If we have optimism, but we don’t have empathy — then it doesn’t matter how much we master the secrets of science, we’re not really solving problems; we’re just working on puzzles.”
What Is Empathy, and Why Is It So Important for Great Leaders?
Empathy is the foundation for connecting with others, and connecting with others is an essential part of entrepreneurship. As John Lennon once said, “A dream you dream alone is only a dream. A dream you dream together is reality.” Entrepreneurs know that reality better than anyone.
