Are you the real deal or a cheap fake?

I want to talk about the importance of authenticity for a leader.

Being authentic means that you are the real deal. You are who you say you are. You do what you say you will do. You are a straight talker and a straight shooter. People like and respect these things in leaders.

What's the alternative? Leaders who lack authenticity are like a cheap, fake watch from Bali - shiny and new on the outside, lacking integrity on the inside. I remember being offered a 'real' Rolex for about $10AUD. I thought about it for a millisecond, then I realised what message I would be sending to everyone who admired it - that I am happy to deceive you. If you want people to follow you then you have to be the real deal. You have to be clear about your values and principles and you must apply them consistently to how you lead your life.

Some people have some success in leading others, despite being less than authentic, but you can only fool some of the people some of the time. Most get found out and once you have lost the trust of others, it's a long way back.

Be true, be real. Authenticity matters.

Cheers

Greg