Business Success Mindset - What is Authenticity? How Do We Become More Authentic? - 2 of 2

What is authenticity?her beliefs and convictions aligned with the words she
It's being real, genuine, legitimate and truthful.spoke. She demonstrated genuine truthfulness and
Authenticity gives us a warm and fuzzy feeling ofcredibility.
comfort, trust, credibility.The examples above are outstanding ones, the
I think Leland R. Beaumont offers a complete,unusual ones, to illustrate and clarify a point. All of us
understandable description of the 'authentic self': "Thecan be and can manifest authenticity of our real self
true you; aligned and congruent self image, stature,the way we naturally are. Each of us is unique in our
values, beliefs, goals, behavior, word, and public image."own way and authentic in that way. Let's look at what
Why do we value the principle of authenticity?we have to do to become authentic.
Authenticity builds an emotional connection betweenHow can we become more authentic?
people as well as things like businesses, brands and1. Believe in everything you say and do.
almost everything.2. Always speak the truth and act in accordance with
Where does authenticity come from?your moral compass at all times to all people: to your
1. Authenticity comes from a place we can connectfriends, your colleagues, to the public and to your
with," a place with a real story of a purpose-driven life,customers. No hyped "pitching." No hyped "selling." No
that touches us and that we always remember."little white lies. No fear of what others will think of you,
Captain Chelsey Sullenberger (Sully), the pilot of the USyour brand or your company. No acting in a way that
Airways Flight 1549 that crashed into the Hudson Riveryou think others will like you more.
without any major injuries or fatalities is an excellentJust complete and total honesty showing your genuine,
example of authenticity story.unique, and passionate self. Nothing more. That's the
2. Authenticity emerges from "people with a deepmost powerful selling you can do.
passion for what they are doing." Ellie and Charlie are3. We make the decision to be authentic or not.
examples of this. Their passion and energy comesAuthenticity is required but it cannot be compelled onto
from deep down in their souls.us. No one can be genuine and real when forced into it.
3. Authenticity is a person or thing that is what it says itFor more in-depth discussion and clarification, refer to
is. The story the person tells through their actions aligns"Authentic Self" below.
with the story they tell through their words, their bodyPersonal and Business Success Mindset Requires that
language and all other nonverbal communication. Thewe be Authentic
recent Miss USA Pageant runner-up, Miss California,That is a undisputable fact. We have no choice if we
Carrie Prejean, exhibited authenticity with her genuinewant success. It is up to us to make that decision to
response to a pageant question. Her response keptbelieve, to be and to act in truth, with authenticity.