Celebrate Authenticity
This is my sixth post in a series of ten. When I joined Slalom Build in September 2020, I decided that as part of my onboarding journey, I wanted to spend some time reflecting on the company’s Core Values, and to share my thoughts on each one on a monthly basis. The Core Values are:
- Do what is right, always.
- Drive connection and teamwork (December).
- Inspire passion and adventure (January).
- Take ownership. Get it done (February).
- Celebrate authenticity.
- Focus on outcomes.
- Fuel growth and innovation.
- Stay humble and curious (November).
- Build and shape a better future.
- Smile (October).
For March, I wrote the phrase “Celebrate authenticity” on a sticky note that I stuck on my monitor.
To me, being authentic means being sincere, and being true to my own personality. I’d like to think that I am an authentic person, and that I bring my whole, honest self into every context. However, the amount of emphasis I put on each aspect of my personality varies depending on circumstances.
I think it’s impossible to be authentic without being vulnerable, and being vulnerable is hard and sometimes uncomfortable. It’s also emotionally draining to try to be an authentic person in an environment that isn’t safe and supportive; an environment that doesn’t promote open-mindedness and embrace diversity. At Slalom Build, I’m fortunate to work in an environment where I do feel comfortable being my genuine self, and where authenticity is celebrated.
Authenticity and sincerity are concepts that I have contemplated extensively as part of my own, personal growth. One consequence of those reflections is that I apologize less. I don’t think I’m the only person who has used the phrase “I’m sorry” to placate or defuse, rather than to express genuine regret. In the absence of sincerity an apology turns into hollow words that we throw around in an attempt to abdicate accountability and avoid repercussions. These days, I make sure to only apologize when I genuinely mean it and am prepared to take ownership of whatever actions caused there to be a need for me to apologize in the first place.
To me, that is one way to be authentic, and to celebrate authenticity.
Illustrates emotions, reflecting on the struggles of modern life. Through her imperfect and witty compositions, she creates gentle art for stormy hearts ??
3 年Christin, this article is simply amazing.. I am doing some self reflection exercises and I discovered that my core value is authenticity.. and then I found your article and I realised yes, this is what I want to talk about with my (illustration) work! thank you for sharing this!
Retired.
3 年Great article. I particularly like "It’s also emotionally draining to try to be an authentic person in an environment that isn’t safe and supportive; an environment that doesn’t promote open-mindedness and embrace diversity." When we ourselves are authentic, it opens the door foe others to feel safe enough to be authentic too. I remember an instance early in my working relationship with you when I was unwilling to commit to something because I thought the circumstances would change, making the commitment impossible. And you said, if that happened, we would change the commitment. No one had ever suggested that was possible before. There was something in the way you said it that caused me to believe you. From there on, I felt safe enough with you to be more authentic myself.
Co-Founder & Lead Business Coach @ myCEO | 3x Successfully Exited Tech Entrepreneur | Business Strategy & Growth Specialist | Speaker | Facilitator | Mentor | Peer Group Masterminds for Businesses & NPOs | #beagoodhuman
4 年Great article Christin! Similar sentiment around authenticity and for the same reason, I apologize less too. Thanks for the post.
Director of Analytics I Advanced Analytics Leader?? l Strategy I Technology l Transformation
4 年Love the picture Christin!