The power of authenticity

Authenticity: a word that's as clear as mud but as vital as air, especially when we're talking leadership. It’s a construct that’s not just poorly defined; it’s downright elusive, with as many interpretations as there are leaders trying to embody it.

For me, authenticity is like wearing your favourite pair of jeans. When everything aligns—my thoughts, my needs, my words—it feels fantastic. I feel like a powerhouse of self-expression, proud of my ability to communicate genuinely. But let's be honest, sometimes being my unfiltered self has led to some awkward moments and a few bruised relationships. Authenticity can be a double-edged sword, cutting through pretence but sometimes slicing through the delicate fabric of social niceties.

So, what exactly is authenticity? The dictionary tells us it means being genuine, not a knock-off of someone else. The ancient Greeks, those old-school philosophers, would say it's all about self-awareness and self-control. Carl Rogers, the humanistic psychologist, took it further by distinguishing between simply being authentic—dropping the facade to reveal our true selves—and the journey of becoming more authentic, striving to be our best selves, and narrowing the gap between who we are and who we aspire to be.

Of course, absolute authenticity has its pitfalls. For instance, that urge to retaliate in traffic when someone honks can lead to scenarios we’d rather avoid. Psychologist Rick Hanson offers a sage perspective: authenticity needs a dose of regulation. It's about finding the right balance—being true to ourselves while also considering the context and the impact of our actions. It’s about being comfortable in our skin, expressing ourselves genuinely, but also knowing when and how much to reveal.

In the workplace, just like in life, authenticity in leadership is crucial. It’s about trust and consistency. Our brains are wired to detect inconsistencies, and when we sense a mismatch between words and actions, our internal alarm bells ring. It's a long, winding road to regain trust once it's lost.

"If you don’t believe the messenger, you won’t believe the message."

As leaders, authenticity is non-negotiable. Consistency in our actions and words builds trust. It’s about showing up every day as your genuine self because that’s the cornerstone of trust. As Rogers said, the more we can peel away the masks, driven by our true motivations, the more authentic and trustworthy we become. And in leadership, trust is the ultimate reward.

So, know yourself, own your actions, and lead with your true self.

After all, life’s good when you’re authentic.

Clint.