Authenticity #2

Take a minute and google “Things an authentic leader does” or similar phrase. The hits will be in the millions. Even on this platform there is a blog by R Sharma “Authentic leaders do this on a regular basis”.  All come with good advice and all come with an “action list” of things you, the leader, must do to be, well, a leader.

It is not often I see the recommendation to be “authentic”.

Would this be because it is a tough term to define? More than probably. Or is it possibly that in our current world it is all about image, and less about truth – including the truth of who I am? Are we able – perhaps “allowed” is a better word – to show the real me still? Even Hollywood stars seem to portray a “real me” which is anything but.

The thing about authenticity is that there is then no falsehood between us. No cling wrap which causes me to touch you but still be kept at a distance. With authenticity, I know that I am dealing with the real you. Is does not mean I have to nor guarantee I will like it. Is also does not mean that you have to remain obnoxious or uncouth. That is not authenticity – but we can investigate that together at another time.

Authenticity allows a person to look at him- or herself  in the mirror without being afraid. Unafraid of who he might see. Comfortable with who may look back. When you look in the mirror, do you look into your own eyes? Some people have no problem with this, but for the wrong reason. In another blog, I want to explore that too.

When you read this today, try unwrapping a few layers of cling wrap. Let people experience a little more of the real you. But don’t make it an action list item.

Quote to remember

“Ethics is what happens when I apply integrity regularly and consistently” – Dr Theo Marais

An Interesting Angle on Truthfulness

Indubitably – nice word that, learnt it from Bert of Mary Poppins fame – indubitably character forms part of the foundation out of which ethics will grow – or not, as the case might be.  Ethics do grow, obviously, as I exercise that particular part of my character.  The problem arises in that we have good intentions (such as after our workshop) to exercise the ethics part of our lives  a little more seriously and find ourselves overwhelmed by all the different facets clamouring for attention.  Soon we tire ourselves out ethically speaking, just trying to keep the various balls of ethics in the air. Why?

For one we first and foremost need to concentrate on the foundations of ethics – yes, you guessed it – character.  Ah, but I take offence when someone implies that I have character traits missing.  Such a reaction is akin to saying that I am perfect – at least in ethics and character – and that no room for improvement exists.  I propose that character and ethics, like any form of fitness, requires regular exercising to keep in shape. 

Lack of regular testing – exercise – of character traits causes ethical atrophy.

With this foundation laid I want to proceed to the point of today’s gem.  To be honest, I too get to yawning when character traits are paraded before me.  I am human too.  So when I saw Character First raising Truthfulness as a point of discussion, I knew where it was going.  And then had to stifle the yawn in mid-air.

“Earning future trust by accurately reporting past facts”. 

Or current facts, for that matter.  This had my attention in a flash.  Wow.  Earning future trust by accurately reporting past facts. What more can I say?  Meditate that a little and evaluate your performance in the light thereof.

Want to add something?  Let’s hear you.