Who am I? The great question harkens back to the exploration of self- inquiry suggested by the great eastern sage and mystic, Ramana Maharshi. But it’s also the perennial question in a changing business culture. We are identified by our actions, our words, our brand, our mission statements. In the context of our work, in a time of transparency which calls for us to wear our integrity on our sleeve, we are called to align our business message with our values. Articulating that message is sometimes a challenge, but embodying our own brand of authenticity should be an easier task.
“Just be it,” conjures debate when talking about authenticity. Authenticity is not something we can buy in a bottle, it’s something that emerges from our soul through individual experiences in the way we live and do business. The wisdom that manifests allows us to identify with certain value systems, opinions and beliefs. While our authentic nature as human beings springs forth in that process, it can be trumped by the dictates of society, our need to conform, the desire to fit in and in business – the challenge of competition.
But what if our authenticity was looked upon as the competitive advantage? No pressure, but to be authentic in the way we do business as human beings with integrity. CV Harquail PhD is an organizational psychologist who blogs at AuthenticOrganizations.com. She’s featured in this weeks web video. Here are her top three top tips for being an authentic business person in a nutshell:
1. Be the change you want to see in the world.
2. Enact the values you want to see in your organization.
3. Affirm and cherish other people’s efforts to do the same.
I especially like the last one. My mother always told me that as we elevate others, we elevate our selves. Enjoy her wisdom!
