Episode 68: The ABC's of Leadership | A = Authentic
YOU BEING YOU
We will explore the benefits of being authentic.
Enjoy!
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(The notes below are only a brief summary of what is discussed in the podcast. Be sure to listen to get all of the goodness! If you would like a full transcription of the episode, please send an email request to: angie@angie-robinson.com. We’d be happy to provide that!)
This week, we are going to talk about authenticity. I realize that the word ‘authentic’ or ‘authenticity’ is kind of a buzzword these days. A buzzword is simply a word or phrase in existence that becomes popular for a period of time. Sometimes they might be seen as a way to ‘impress’ others. It can feel ‘fake’ in use – because it’s the ‘word of the day’. And I’m good with that - because at its core – it’s a good word. It became popular for a reason! So we are talking about it NOT from a ‘it’s the cool thing’, ‘look at me, I’m so trendy’ point of view, but rather from the “it has value’ and ‘for the greater good for yourself’ perspective.
When I am talking about authenticity in your leadership or entrepreneurship – I’m not talking about the leadership style you may have heard about (the style that is known as authentic leadership). I’ve talked in past episodes about the large variety of leadership styles that have been constructed – which is a way to put general characteristics and behaviors in a nice little package with a label. And I’m not saying that is bad – it is helpful to our brains to have structure and a way of making meaning of things.
The style of Authentic Leadership is generally described as “a leadership style exhibited by people who have high standards of integrity, take responsibility for their actions, and make decisions based on principle rather than short-term success. An authentic leader strives to create a meaningful relationship with their team as they work toward goals related to their organization's mission and purpose—not just its bottom line.”
What I am talking about it here is actually BEING authentic. The dictionary definition of authentic is this: adjective: true to one's own personality, spirit, or character.
Put simply, authenticity means you're true to your own personality, values, and spirit, regardless of the pressure that you're under to act otherwise. It is a healthy alignment between internal values and beliefs and external behavior. You're honest with yourself and with others, and you take responsibility for your mistakes. Your values, behaviors and actions align.
At face value – it sounds pretty simple. But really think about it. How authentic are you in the different areas of your life? Your level of authenticity might be different depending on ‘identity’ you are in. It might differ from your friend group to your parenting to your leadership or work self. I always talk about how we are a whole person – but we certainly can show up differently in our different situations.
And I’m going to be honest – I don’t think being authentic IS easy! I think we often have things working against us when it comes to authenticity. Things like:
Others’ expectations of use - whether it’s things that people have told us or messages that we’ve subconsciously received
What we think others expectations are
Our own dissatisfaction with who we are
Our own unknowing of who we are, what is important, what our values are, etc.
These are typically not standalone barriers. They all intermix into a jumbled mess. And at the core of all of it?? Our brains.
See – it’s not always easy!
Why does being authentic matter?
First, when you come from a place of authenticity– your own engagement and motivation is up. It’s a lot of work to be someone you’re not! That takes energy! When authentic – that energy is freed up. It’s like a release of pressure and you are better able to focus on what really matters.
When your actions and behaviors are aligned with your values, strengths and personality – you get results that actually matter – that you are actually looking to achieve.
When you are authentic – it gives others permission to do the same. In turn – your team and those around you are more likely to be engaged, motivated and productive.
This can result in a psychologically safe culture (psychological safety is the belief that you won’t be punished or humiliated for speaking up with ideas, questions, concerns, or mistakes. At work, it’s a shared expectation held by members of a team that teammates will not embarrass, reject, or punish them for sharing ideas, taking risks, or soliciting feedback).
When you are inauthentic – there are several things that can happen.
You can experience dissatisfaction, exhaustion, depletion, uncertainty and disengagement. Like I said, it take a lot of energy to show up in ways that are out of alignment with our values, characteristics and beliefs.
When all this is happening on the inside – that is impacting those around you too. The people around you feel that energy. This can lead to others not trusting you, being uncertain, disengaged, unproductive.
It can be ‘easier’ to be authentic when you already ‘fit’. If you look, walk and talk in a way that is aligned or mirrors the prevalent ‘way’ of those in your organization – it can be easier. And that is often WHY you might choose to be inauthentic! This is a dangerous thing as well. This just furthers the narrative that there is a ‘right’ way to be. This is a general challenge – and even more so for those underrepresented or considered a minority.
As a side note – it’s so important that you – as a leader – are embracing inclusivity and honoring (and modeling) bringing our whole selves at all times.
And just one more side note: being authentic and practicing honesty isn’t a license to behave without filters or good judgment. And there are still policies and practices to adhere to.
How can you be more authentic?
It starts with deciding that this is something you want to dig into, it’s something you want to focus on and that you are worth that investment. Something that you can commit to and have your own back when your brain tells you it’s not worth it or you’re distracted when something else comes along. That investment will for sure be time. You will need to grant yourself the gift of time to reflect, write, think, talk to others, etc.
It also might be a monetary investment. That might be time off. That might buying journals and an awesome pen. There might be an online course or in person retreat to attend. It might be working with a coach.
From there, and like with most things – you need awareness. Take notice. Often times – when there is misalignment – there is a feeling associated with that.
There is a lot that falls under awareness. Here are main elements:
Understanding current self. This includes things like your strengths, personality, blind spots, beliefs, limiting beliefs, the ‘shoulds’, the things you were taught about what it means to be a leader, etc. (strong, no emotion, professional, heels, etc.), how others see you. And of course - understanding and working with mind management.
Understanding your future self
Getting clarity by tuning in to the gaps. Tuning into what feels off and what feels right.
Making intentional changes as you want – all with alignment between who you are – who you want to be.
Getting support from others.
Taking action by showing up – even when uncomfortable.
Take Action by failing, stumbling and getting back up - learning along the way.
Watch the ripple effect. Watch how this impacts everyone and everything around you.
Your Challenge
Do you own self-assessment. Reflect on:
How does it make you feel when you think about being authentic? What is the thought creating that feeling?
On a scale of 1 – 10 (1 being inauthentic and 10 being fully authentic), how do you rate yourself?
Where do you feel a disconnection?
What is holding you back?
What one thing can you commit to right now?
What do you think?
In what areas are you out of alignment with your authentic self?
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