I was reminded of the power of “authenticity” this past week in an email arriving from a friend of mine who also happens to be the President of a Speaker’s Bureau, who often lists me as a possible selection when it comes to employee development and motivation.
In a back and forth communication (email ping pong) I shared my story for when people find themselves fretting about competition. I remind them that in my business my competition is anybody with a mouth. This usually draws a few chuckles from my audiences … but I am stone-cold serious.
Virtually anybody with something (anything) to say thinks they can compete for my lunch ticket. Scary but true.
In any event, my friend mentioned that she thought my competitive edge had something to do with what she phrased as “my authenticity.”
This, I presumed, meant that coming from New Jersey, raised one of seven children, having a poor scholastic resume, being skilled at both throwing and catching a ball, being able to find the humor in most happenstances, having the friends and business associates I have, exhibiting a certain degree of emotional intelligence and being married to (pardon the expression) my true soul mate, I was considered by some to be somewhat unique. The term referenced was authentic.
I am not so presumptuous to define “unique” as “one of a kind.” I do, however, believe it has something to do with being “real.” Being “genuine.” Being one’s self. And perhaps just as important, feeling comfortable while accepting one’s self.
If this is close to being the case, then I believe it is in all of our best interests to spend some time making the effort to pursue the only thing that differentiates us from the pack … our authenticity.
Those who don’t understand the concept of success may define it as being big, brash and bold. That’s not it. Success comes from being yourself; being real. And keeping it real. Let’s call it authenticity. That’s the ticket. Be authentic.
It is as true as rain that some won’t buy into your authenticity. But if you are being true to yourself, your family and your company, that will remain their problem. Your memory can be short and you don’t have to write any bogus scripts. Just be …. you. Good old, authentic you.
That being said, I do not mean to imply that being authentic means that you are done with your learning curve. A take me or leave me attitude may not serve you justice for too long. Quite the contrary. It makes far better sense to consistently strive on being a good old fashion better you. (If this sounds like I am contradicting myself, read it again more slowly.)
Since I’m beginning to confuse myself, I’ll stop right here. Be you. Be real. Be prepared to get better. Be authentic.
That’s all I have to share with you today. You be you and I will be me. And when we meet, we can be ourselves. Cool!
| Today’s Message:“Be yourself. Nobody can ever tell you that you’re doing it wrong.”
Mike Marchev |