Authenticity and humility are two attributes that some people boast they have, but somehow the more they claim them for themself the less of them they seem to have. 

Staying true to our uniqueness means remaining authentic to who we are and then making the contribution only we can make.

It is like the world is one large jigsaw puzzle and we are all individual pieces of that puzzle. 

Without each of us fulfilling our unique contribution, the puzzle, our world, will never properly come together. 

Unfortunately, we don’t always see the big picture, nor do we properly value ourselves and others. Instead, to stroke our ego, we try to elevate ourselves above others, diminishing ourselves and others in the process.

Also, and far too often, we compare ourselves to others, wishing we were somehow different, rending our contribution less valuable and potentially disregarded altogether. 

The good news is that authenticity can be developed over time by intentionally choosing to be honest, reducing self-righteousness, and increasing vulnerability.

Honesty: Things are, or they are not. Too often for self-interest and/or in fear we describe people, things, and situations different than they are. Honesty is about telling things as they are regardless of the consequences. The challenge with honesty is that we need to be honest with ourselves, and confident in ourselves, before we can be honest with others.

Self-Righteousness: We all have an innate need to be right, or at least to be seen as right. Being wrong hurts our ego. So, in order to protect our ego we often adopt a narrative [whether true or false] that puffs us up. Honesty suggests that we neither puff up or shrink away.

Vulnerability: Because vulnerability involves personal sacrifice, and potentially uncomfortable exposure, few choose it. Further, many are fearful that others will not like who they really are. So, in weakness, they choose to protect themselves and their egos. But that makes it hard, if not impossible, for people to see them for who they really are and for them to make their unique contribution. 

By definition, a leader is an intentional influencer and without authenticity a person loses most, if not all, of their ability to influence others. Hence, without authenticity it is virtually impossible to lead others.

Herb Mast is a Leadership Coach and Employee Engagement Specialist. Learn how he can assist you in implementing the principles and concepts presented here.