5 Startling Facts About Authenticity

We were talking about authenticity previously and I guess, of course, you would want to know how authenticity is related to real world challenges.

I think our clients, customers, and employees have one thing in common: being human. As I mentioned previously, we are able to distinguish between manipulative corporate-speak and a genuine desire to help in a heartbeat. Nobody wants to be relegated to a number, we all want to be unique and to be significant.

There is a huge difference between making sure all the business procedures are being met versus taking genuine care and understanding your client`s personal needs. People know when you are real and that means they also know when you are fake.

In today’s world your authenticity and the authenticity of your company could become the competitive edge of your business. All you need is to implement practices based on your authenticity and celebrate the authenticity of others to differentiate your business from those of your competitors. It will always be something unique and true as there is no other you in the whole world.

To be your authentic self is the main strategy you need.

In your entrepreneurship, as well in your life, feelings impact all our decisions.

For many years, like so many of us, I tried to follow the requirements of the corporate world. I was successful outwardly but completely lost and dissatisfied inwards. That is when I learned that the only true way to be fulfilled is to find and be your true self. There is no need to fear. Your people will find and stay with you. Others will leave, and that’s OK.

I am who I am, I chose to be me. Therefore, everything I create is uniquely mine and for my people.

Five Startling Facts About Authenticity:

1. Authenticity creates human connection. The flow of positive energy increases when you tap into your own inner resources. That’s what people feel from the outside and they are drawn to this kind of inner power and inner light. It’s a magnet that will naturally attract the attention of others. You are better, more creative, more energetic, and you ignite the same type of energy in others, helping them to find their true self. That is something they will be forever grateful to you as well.
2. Authenticity means to be vulnerable and it also means unity. Vulnerability means to be yourself without trying to be the unshakable warrior or fierce pitbull. We are all human, with our strengths and our weaknesses. Nobody is perfect. To be vulnerable means to embrace yourself, just the way you are, and give yourself time and space to grow. It also means to be more patient and embrace others’ differences and weaknesses and, as the leader, create the space for others to change and to accept themselves. Authenticity and vulnerability both lead to unity in our differences.
3. Authenticity allows us to understand others better, including your customers. A lot of times we live our lives in deep fears, which is reflected in our day-to-day relationship with others. Knowing that every successful business is the one that manages to create and maintain long-lasting, good relationships with their customers, it becomes clear why being authentic to your true self is the attribute that makes your relationships flourish. When you are true to yourself, you don’t need to be constantly on guard and that means more love, understanding, and compassion are available to people around you, including in your business relationships.
4. Being authentic means to be connected to your core and live life in the present. Do you remember this quote by Eleanor Roosevelt: “Yesterday is history; tomorrow is a mystery; today is a gift from God, which is why we call it the present.” When you live in the present you live one interaction at a time, giving your all to the person, or business partner, or client you are communicating with. This kind of undivided attention, combined with deep levels of compassion and understanding, is something you don’t stumble upon very frequently nowadays. And it’s definitely something to remember and to want more of.
5. Authenticity changes the way you perceive the world around you. When you realize that you do not need to hide behind the mask and expectations of others; when you know and experience your true self in every moment, you open yourself to the whole new world of opportunities. Your view of the world will never be the same again, and that is awesome.