We often find ourselves facing tough choices and situations. You will be tested with how authentic you can be. Often you will find yourself being watched to see how you handle situations that come your way. As a leader, whether you know it or not, everyone, including your employees, your superiors, and those you work with as peers, is watching. With all eyes on you, watching everything you do, or don’t do, your perception will determine your fate. One thing that’s obvious to everyone watching you is whether you are authentic and genuine.
Why does being authentic matter?
Trust is the foundation of all relationships. If people are unsure of your intentions, they will question whether what you say and do is on the level. Do you follow your own advice or choose to deviate and go rogue? If your team sees you saying one thing and acting another way, they will stop trusting you. When you really need them to follow you, there is a good chance of looking behind and seeing that no one is there. If you are fake or don’t support something, yet pretend that you do, you run the risk of being perceived as a hypocrite. Be bold and authentic.
What if you are not authentic with yourself?
Sometimes we question ourselves. We often wonder which path to take, and which decision to make. Some of us wonder if we are imposters, portraying a role that no longer represents who we are. When faced with the internal dilemma of feeling inauthentic, it can sometimes become a very confusing place for anyone. I’ve had incredible periods of self-doubt, unsure of whether I was making the right decisions, or taking my team down the right path. It’s not a fun place to be. Furthermore, I have also been in roles previously where I had to act a certain way to fit into the culture of the organization. Coming into work acting one way to fit in, but desiring to be yourself, leaves one feeling burnt out and exhausted.
Work in your ‘Strength Zone’
Too many people focus on trying to improve their weaknesses, instead of operating in their strength zones. For those who are authentic, they know their strengths and weaknesses, choosing to leverage their talents whenever possible. As leaders, its essential to recognize the areas where we are not strong, and delegate those responsibilities to others more well-suited. To be authentic and yourself, you need to know what you are great at and maximize that skill. If you are good at something, you are most likely passionate about that skill too.
Why the Strength Zone?
When you are operating in your strength zone, everything slows down for you. You focus more on seeing things that others miss. It’s like sports, in that the most celebrated athletes see the game at an entirely different speed than those less skilled. Know your strengths, and be real with yourself, about what you do well and want to achieve. Doing so will lead to tremendous results. Whenever I am doing something that I hate, I drag my feet and put in less effort. As I want to be happy with whatever I do, I aim to do things I authentically enjoy and eliminate or delegate all the rest. If you can work when and how you are most successful, make it happen.
Acting Inauthentic
Nothing sucks more than pretending to be someone you’re not. Be you. Be authentic and leverage your strengths. Drop everything else, and you will become the type of person and leader that you can live with at the end of each day. There are always going to be people who don’t appreciate your confidence, direct approach, or skills, etc. You can’t please everyone, and nor should you. But you can be yourself and a great leader, but it’s going to take being honest with your team about your preferences and approach.
Don’t be fake. Far too often, people come to work pretending its Halloween wearing a costume, displaying certain behaviors, speaking specific ways, or using corporate jargon only to return home at the end of the day exhausted.
Final Thought About Being Authentic
Find a position, organization, and work culture where you can be yourself and authentic. For more on finding the right opportunity to be most successful, or for tips to evolve your career, reach out. I am here to help. For a regular dose of advice, tips, and tricks, follow me or my podcast, The Chris Hanna Show on Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn, or visit Evolving Management for more solutions. Let’s connect.
