The importance of authenticity and how to embrace yours

The word “authenticity” seems to be a buzzword in the business world these days. But if you really think about what the word means, it’s actually the antithesis of a buzzword. Simply defined, the word means “genuine” and it’s the furthest thing from business jargon. In fact, it’s incredibly important as a leader for you to embrace yours.

Author and leadership coach Henna Inam is an expert on authenticity. In her book, Wired for Authenticity, she makes the case for why leaders need to lead authentically. She argues that authenticity actively contributes to your overall well-being. She also believes being authentic makes you a more dynamic leader.  

After all, think about your teenage years. Did you ever go along with what your friends were doing, even if you knew it wasn’t who you were? What about once you started your career? Did you struggle answering to leadership whose values didn’t necessarily align with yours? It probably didn’t feel very good, did it? Research shows that authentic connections make us happier and can even have positive effects on our cardiovascular system, our brains, and even our body’s ability to make insulin.

In business, Inam writes that authenticity can spur innovation, create more trust in your organization, and can help retain talent. What’s more, being yourself just feels better. In my opinion, there’s no better reason to hone your authenticity than to be able to live your life according to your values.

As you work toward your more authentic self in both your personal and business life, think about the following recommendations each day to make sure you are living true to yourself.

We’re conditioned to fit into societal norms that often prohibit us from being our true selves. Instead of adapting into a form of yourself you aren’t, work on taking risks and not hiding who you are. It takes some vulnerability to go against the grain. It also takes bravery and courage to put yourself in a place where you could be rejected. But when you express who you really are, it can be freeing.

Do you ever have moments in your day where you know something you’ve said or done doesn’t quite align with who you are? Don’t beat yourself up over it. Instead, take notes. Notice the things you said or did that felt in line with your values. Notice the things that didn’t. And don’t forget to explore what others are doing around you that align with your values, too. It can be eye opening as you look for clarity on how to show up every day.

You likely already know what you believe and why. Sometimes it helps to step back and explore your values so you know how to live them every day. Research shows that clearly identifying and stating your values has numerous health benefits, like feelings of social connection and even pain tolerance. They can also help you better know how to live your day-to-day life and put your values into action. By living your values with intention, you’ll be happier, healthier, and will feel more purposeful in your endeavors.

You need compassion to live authentically. And that compassion isn’t just meant for those around you; you need to give it to yourself as well. Remember that it’s okay to make mistakes and show when you don’t know an answer. It’s good to ask questions and help others feel valued and seen. We can all benefit from more compassion in our lives.

When you know what your values are, it’s easier to speak up when something doesn’t align with them. Your values will begin to act as a foundation that allows you to act more decisively. Speaking your values will also help you connect with others who share your values and will help you become a more effective leader. It’s a worthwhile endeavor to voice those truths so people know what you stand for. And it feels much better than hiding yourself from the world.

Don’t let fear stop you from being your authentic self. Dig into the discomfort, determine what you stand for, and discover just how freeing it can be to live your truth. It’s always worth it.

Jim Allen is a business leader and entrepreneur who has built one of the top-producing real estate groups in the Triangle. He is President of The Jim Allen Group, which is consistently named one of the top real estate teams in North Carolina and even North America.