AUTHENTIC SELF
Institute of Human Resource Management (IHRM Kenya)
The Professional Body of HR Practitioners in Kenya
Nothing beats being authentic. For in authenticity, one has nothing to prove to anyone, no appearances to keep up other than those that are true. The freedom that follows an authentic self makes one unassailable. Yet being authentic is no mean fete. In a world where being a conformist is second nature, being a non-conformist is viewed suspiciously.
The journey to being authentic starts from within self-knowledge.
This is an ongoing journey that is as intentional as it is dynamic. There is no prescribed approach. It is for one to know what works for them and to keep at it. Some would pore over personality tests and their results while others would be audiences of their lives and learn every step of the way. Whichever the approach to self-knowledge, the important thing is that the discovery of self is continual.
As no man is an island, so is the knowledge of self. Allowing for feedback, the constructive kind builds onto self-knowledge. It sheds light onto the ‘blind spots’ according to the Johari Window. Where feedback is not forthcoming, being proactive in seeking it out from trustworthy people and people of goodwill is worthwhile.
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Ultimately, regular reflection brings being authentic full circle where a review of the self and one’s life in general, brings to the fore what needs to be improved on.
This makes one a better person. Silence is the basis upon which reflection rests; yet with lives that are constantly ‘plugged in’, where does one get that dose of silence? It could be found in stillness. Whatever one’s definition of stillness is, it could help in not only finding but nourishing the authentic self.
“By three methods we may learn wisdom: First, by reflection, which is noblest; Second, by imitation, which is easiest; and third by experience, which is the bitterest.” Confucius.
By Rahab Wainaina , Senior HR Professional with over 10 years of experience.
Assistant Manager HR at Hyundai home arts
2 年Nice piece
Fraud Management, Governance & Controls, Risk & Strategy #ONO
2 年I will now seek to self authenticate. Thanks for the beautiful piece.
Leading Teams in Placing Top International Talent in U.S. Companies | Award-Winning HR | AI Integration in HR; Published by HRM 2024 | Top 20 Disruptive People Leaders Kenya 2023 | C-Suite Coach |
2 年?Silence is the basis upon which reflection rests; yet with lives that are constantly ‘plugged in’, where does one get that dose of silence? It could be found in stillness. Whatever one’s definition of stillness is, it could help in not only finding but nourishing the authentic self"- Beautiful! this read is very inspiring and assuring ;
Certified Social Compliance Auditor (APSCA), Project manager, Horticulturist, Consultant, Lead Auditor, and Trainer on compliance systems and standards: LEAF, OHAS, GlobalG.A.P. (GRASP), SMETA, BOPP, RA-SAS......etc
2 年Great piece right there, well done.
Strategic Innovative Transformational Leader | Business Development, Risk & Compliance | Communicator & Diversity Specialist | Working Capital & Financial Management | Experienced Service Marketing in Auto sector
2 年Wow, well done Rahab. This is a great piece. Being authentic requires the least effort to be real.