JS Tip 500: The Need for Authenticity

We need authenticity. 

In our leaders. In our jobs. In our lives. In our politics.

Authenticity. Sincerity. Transparency. Reality. We ask ourselves, “Is this person what he or she appears to be?”

Some suggestions for leaders (and all of us—in one way or another—are leaders): 

• Find out who you are. Spend some time alone. Ask yourself, “What am I really like?” and “What do I value?” Write things down. Write a personal mission statement.

• Be comfortable with who you are. Focus on your strengths. Focus on your worth. Identify how you can use those strengths and that worth to serve those around you. 

• Interact with others. Park on the other side of the building. Walk through the cubicles, offices, or production lines. Stop and talk. Ask questions: “What do you like about your job?” “What can we do better?” And listen. In fact, ask permission to write things down. 

• Maintain the relationships. Follow up on your conversations: “When we talked earlier, you mentioned company child care. We’ve got an executive meeting next week to talk about it. I’ll keep you informed.”

• Keep your promises. If you say you’ll do something, do it. (Write things down.) If things don’t work out, explain why: “This year’s budget won’t support company child care, but we’ll look at it next year. I’ll keep you informed.” 

This is the right thing to do.

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