Authenticity without the eye roll!
“Be authentic” gets tossed around like corporate kale, which is good for you but hard to chew. I get it. Even as a leadership coach, I worry it lands as a motherhood statement. Recently, during the first session of my 3-month leadership program, many participants shared generously with real stories and real courage. Then one person took a deep breath, quieted their inner critic, and said something they’d never shared at work. The room froze and was replaced by goosebumps.
Warmth. Understanding. A few quiet tears from others. Zero cynicism. In that moment, “be yourself” stopped being jargon and became connection.
So why don’t we share more? Fear of judgment. Old “be professional” rules. Back-to-back calendars. The risk can feel bigger than the reward. But the hidden cost is steep. When we stay silent, people never learn who we are or what we stand for. Trust leaks away. Silos, gossip, and turf wars move in.
Kouzes & Posner nailed it: “If you don’t believe the messenger, you won’t believe the message.” Trust starts with being your true self.
Get the balance right and people don’t just work for you; they work with you.
How can you start to create an environment where others can truly feel themselves?
Life’s good.
Clint
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