In the February 2021 Newsletter
  Six key questions for being an Authentic Leader

Let’s explore authenticity and the benefits it provides you and your organization. We’ll cover the first three questions this month and the final three next time.

1. How would you define being authentic in the workplace?

Authentic means of undisputed origin; genuine. It means being real and true. Being authentic starts with knowing and nurturing yourself. Think of the sage advice since antiquity to “Know Thyself” — an inscription at the Delphic Oracle attributed to the Seven Sages around 550 B.C. This is where you will find your passion. Consider the wisdom in the Joe Jackson song: “You can’t get what you want ’til you know what you want.” And you can’t know what you want until you know who you are.

How do you know who you are? The answer is understanding your values and gifts.

	Values: core beliefs, ideology, ethics, morals, attitude, and ideals. They define who you are and what is meaningful to you.
	Gifts: talents, experience, abilities, aptitude, education, and traits. They mold how you can uniquely contribute.

The intersection of values and gifts describes what you are passionate about. Being authentic in the workplace is living true to your values and using your gifts.

2. What power does authenticity bring you and your organization?

When you are authentic you are pursuing a passionate purpose and this brings you satisfaction. Ordinary people become extraordinary when their passion is aligned with a purpose. Passionate pursuers also help their organization produce extraordinary results. The pursuit of passionate purpose brings energy, enthusiasm, zeal, and joy. It feels good. Anyone interested in feeling good? Of course!

3. What would you tell someone who runs into the downside of being authentic at work?

To thy own self be true. Yet, you want be authentic in a balanced way. Allow others to be authentic too.

There may be certain work environments which do not allow you to be authentic. Then you need to decide whether to live with it, try to change it, or move on. The choice is yours.

Conclusion

Being authentic in the workplace is living true to your values and using your gifts. Authenticity brings passion, energy, enthusiasm, zeal, and joy. It feels good. It produces extraordinary results. Know and nurture yourself. To thy own self be true.

Theresa M. Szczurek, Ph.D.
C-Level Global Executive, Corporate Director, and Colorado CIO of the Year

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