Yo! Be Real: Authenticity in Leadership

 

One of the main reasons why I consider myself an ‘integrated advisor” as opposed to a  “consultant” is the lack of authenticity I find in consulting.  I don’t like “fake.”

As a leader, I believe that inspiring others to greatness and motivating them to perform in an environment of change depends on trust.  Trust is earned over time through a relationship with clear examples of loyalty, compassion and consideration. 

Consultants tend to boast a long list of credentials, they drop in, tell you what is wrong based on the black and white, then they are gone. It’s rare that consultants spend the time to understand the underpinnings of the individuals who make up the culture of the organization they are hired to improve.

My desire, and what leadership is about, is to create a legacy and have a long-term meaningful and lasting impact in every organization I work with, and for each individual I counsel. 

What greater mission is there for a leader than helping equip others to have better outcomes for themselves? 

The only way to do this, in my mind, is to be real. To share our own flaws and foibles—to open the kimono and expose the raw truths of our path and how we got here.  Those roads are paved with many mistakes and a tremendous amount of learning and adjustment.  To pretend that leaders are perfect, and to raise them on a pedestal is a waste of experience. Leaders KNOW stuff, but it’s HOW they learned that stuff that really makes the connections.

Additionally, often people go to work with their mind wearing their “work uniform”; A polished, reserved, conformed mode hiding the specific nuances and characteristics that make them special and unique.  Be yourself! Be Real!  If you can’t be who you really are, why be there at all?