“The privilege of a lifetime is to become who you truly are.”  ― C.G. Jung

“Authenticity is a collection of choices that we have to make every day.  It’s about the choice to show up and be real. The choice to be honest. The choice to let our true selves be seen.”  ― Brené Brown

“Pretentiousness repels but authenticity attracts, and vulnerability is the pathway to intimacy.” ― Rick Warren

“Let deeds, not words, be your adorning.” — Baha’u’llah

In a session with graduating business students around leadership, we were discussing competency, behavioural and contingency based perspectives on leadership using TEDtalks by Abigail Washburn and Tony Robbins.  It became abundantly clear, as a powerful reminder, that generational differences do not so much exist when it comes to the notion of authentic leadership.

Authentic leadership is the ultimate branding.  It is wholly based on nobility, wholeheartedness and integrity; knowing our true value, and living it, truly.  We mean what we say and say what we mean.  We mean what we do and do what we mean.   People know us for our words and actions.  We build a level of trustworthiness that is foundational for relationships and real success.  We are known, notoriously so, for who we are.  The effort to be who we are is to let go of masks.  It does not imply a lack of discretion or discipline or tact.  It does imply truthfulness and courage to be our voice at its best.

Authentic leadership, whether in business, work, school, community or family is the leadership we admire, trust and follow because it breeds a level of certitude.  We know and trust what we are getting; it is not built on promises, for they are words.  It is built on action.

“Real IS.” — Barry Lewis Green

Who are you?  Be that and see who shows up.  Your focus will sharpen and it is a lot easier than carrying a facade only to find you have attracted those who thought they knew you.

Peace, passion and prosperity.

Barry Lewis Green, The Unity Guy™