Balancing Authenticity and Collective Goals: Developing Integrity Skills for Sustainable Progress

This post is a part of my 23-part weekly series, digging into the “Inner Development Goals (IDGs).” If you haven’t yet, I recommend starting with the introductory article, “Unlocking Progress: Embracing Inner Development Goals to Achieve Sustainable Development.” Today, our focus is on the “Being - Integrity and Authenticity” skill within the IDGs.

If I’m being honest, I wrestle with the undisciplined use of “authentic” when navigating society. I support staying true to your beliefs, values, and principles, even in the face of societal pressures or expectations. I understand that many benefit by having an “ideal” to lean on when they feel pressured to pretend to be someone they’re not or conforming to others’ expectations. It’s the undisciplined overuse, where it’s almost weaponized, where I have the issue.

Sometimes you must remove yourself from the equation.

Emphasizing personal authenticity can sometimes lead to conflict with collective needs or values, especially in diverse groups with different perspectives and beliefs. It can also lead to a self-centric approach, overshadowing the collaborative and empathetic parts necessary for collective action. As individuals, we are capable of so much. But, as a collective, even the smallest differences scale so much passive and active resistance, it can stop a herd of buffalo in its tracks. This is why the IDGs support the development of abilities, skills and other inner qualities for people and organizations to work more symbiotically if our efforts are to contribute to a more sustainable global society.

From an IDG perspective, the essence of the Integrity and Authenticity skill is about being true to one’s values, beliefs, and principles, and consistently acting in alignment with them. It’s not just about honesty in communication, but also in one’s actions and decisions. Yet, achieving the right balance between staying true to oneself and aligning with the group’s goals can be challenging and might lead to compromises that affect the authenticity of actions.

It’s the Goldilocks paradox in action. We need to remain authentic and act with integrity, resisting societal pressures to conform or fit into certain molds (too hot). However, getting a diverse group of people to act in concert toward a greater good requires every participant to acknowledge that it isn’t about them (too cold). Perhaps the middle is embracing being authentic doesn’t mean being insensitive. Authentic individuals can empathize with others and understand their perspectives while still expressing their own.

To develop this skill, start by identifying your core values. Reflect on these values regularly and assess if your actions align with them. Practice transparency in your interactions and take responsibility for your actions, especially when mistakes are made. Seek feedback to understand how your actions are perceived by others and adjust. By fostering a culture of integrity and authenticity, we not only contribute to personal growth but also build a strong, reliable foundation for collective action towards achieving societal goals like the SDGs. It’s a journey of continuous self-awareness and alignment, leading to a more ethical, effective approach in tackling global challenges.

The SDGs are ambitious targets requiring cooperation, trust, and collective effort. When individuals act with integrity and authenticity, they build trust and credibility, important for effective collaboration and partnership. This trust is the foundation on which successful, sustainable initiatives are built.

See you next week when we explore having an "Openness and Learning Mindset," having a basic mindset of curiosity and a willingness to be vulnerable and embrace change and grow.