Authenticity: The power behind unity.

Believe it or not, I love it when people try to sell me something.

Why? Even though I may not be interested in the product or solution, I am enthused to witness the way people approach me as a stranger in an attempt to convert me to their offering on the spot.

Most often, I see right through their attempt to be authentic and genuine. Sometimes it feels like a spectator sport.

Here’s what I mean

• Using my name far too often (There’s a sweet spot, don’t pass it).

• Calling me their ‘friend’ over and over (Slow down buddy).

• Placing urgency for a “limited-time offer” (As if).

• Or obviously using a memorized script for both the pitch and the response (Think for yourself).

By using these ‘tips, tactics, and hacks’ they are hoping to close more deals. However, they only seem less human to me.

Listen, I get it. I used to have a role where this is all I did. I would walk into a random building and pitch office tech. It’s hard. BUT, it was significantly easier when I acted as myself.

I am not slamming salespeople, I am still one of them. I am slamming being inauthentic in an attempt to manipulate others.

In a world full of photo filters, deep fakes, AI, and actors, people yearn for authenticity.

Not only does authenticity lead to faster levels of trust and the likelihood of a genuine relationship, but it also leads to unity amongst larger groups.

As you can imagine, I’d like to focus on authenticity in the workplace and how it can increase unity.

It happens to all of us.

All jokes aside, each of us has run into this before. It’s also very likely that you are inauthentic to others more often than you think.

Not to say that you are attempting to manipulate or have ill will, but it’s perhaps because you aren’t comfortable with the other person. Instead, you put on your best face and allow others to see a different side of you as opposed to your genuine, unique, and perhaps quirky self.

We do this every single day. Unless you are speaking with your closest friends or family, it’s likely that you are not truly acting as yourself.

If you were to ask me who I work the most efficiently with at my workplace, I’d certainly tell you that it’s the people who express the highest levels of authenticity.

We collaborate faster, smarter, and even feel comfortable to disagree until a solution is achieved.

The opposite is true for teams that need to walk on eggshells with one another.

How do we invoke authenticity at work?

Invoking employee authenticity in a company involves creating an environment where employees feel safe, valued, and encouraged to express their true selves. You hired them for THEM. Allow them to be themselves.

Here are a few tips that you may consider:

Encourage open communication → Create an environment where employees feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and ideas without fear of judgment or retribution. You can read more about this topic in my Safe-Space Speaking article.

Leadership support → Leaders should model vulnerability and authenticity, showing that it's okay to make mistakes and learn from them. If this example isn’t made from the top, it can be difficult for middle management to adopt.

Develop team-building activities → Organize activities that build camaraderie and trust among team members. Consider creating clubs as read in my article about Corporate Clubs.

Create mentorship programs → Establish mentorship programs where employees can learn from each other and build meaningful connections. Identify individuals who share similar aspirations or desire to fill certain roles within the company and supply them with a mentor.

Conduct surveys and suggestion boxes → Regularly solicit feedback from employees about their experiences and ideas for improvement. Create an online survey and send it to everybody. This feedback allows honest thoughts to assist in positive change.

Take action on feedback → Show that the company values feedback by taking action on suggestions and concerns. Employees will not express their true thoughts and feelings if nothing is to be done about it.

Your organization or team will have its’ own unique dynamic, so brainstorm what you believe will work best and apply it as necessary.

Your true self can unlock someone else’s.

Being authentic with people can be hard, I get it. It may even feel like more of a risk than a reward.

I would encourage you to better understand WHO you really are in order to achieve true authenticity.

If this isn’t a practice you’ve done before, consider trying these:

Understand your values → Identify what truly matters to you. What are your core beliefs and principles?

Acknowledge your strengths and weaknesses → Recognize your strengths and areas for improvement without judgment.

Reflect on your experiences → Consider how your past experiences have shaped who you are today.

Communicate openly → Share your thoughts, feelings, and opinions honestly with others.

Be consistent → Align your actions with your values and beliefs, regardless of the situation.

Seek genuine connections → Build relationships with people who accept and appreciate you for who you are.

Share your struggles → Be open about your challenges and imperfections. This can foster deeper connections and mutual understanding. Many people fear that this will lose respect, but trust me it will only gain it.

You can’t change an office culture until you change yourself. If you feel that you have some personal work to do to better display your authenticity, now is the time.

Your authenticity just might be the key building block to a successful working relationship. Your authenticity will invoke the same expression from others.