On Authenticity

Authenticity is a leadership topic I have been thinking about and observing how individuals view it for quite some time. I get to hear how many express themselves through my client (business leaders, educators, students, student athletics, law enforcement) sessions and 1:1 coaching sessions

Views on authenticity vary, but most tend to think about it and express it as more static and fixed, than adaptable and changing over time. It’s interesting to consider how this works it’s way into our mindset, willingness to change, communicate flexibly with others, etc. However, when we consider how the world around us is changing, our goals and skills are under constant movement and our social environment forces at play, we are not the same authentic person now as we were last year, or 5 years ago, etc.

Authenticity is a portrayal or expression of our values and beliefs and how we represent them under diverse circumstances and contexts. We can value a belief, but choose to not authentically represent it or reveal it. And our values also can shift over time, which will create varied authentic shifts over time.

In my leadership/team consulting and teaching roles, I work hard and creatively to train and guide others to be more open, adaptable, discerning and flexible with their mindsets. A belief that we are “fixed” and can’t change can/will get in the way of ongoing development AND interacting effectively with others.

Spend some time diving into what authenticity looks like for you. Do you have fixed views around it? Is it holding you back to develop and grow? Is it always benefiting your interactions? Are you the identical person today as you were a year ago?