How Important is Being Authentic?

“Authenticity requires vulnerability, transparency, and integrity.” - Janet Louise Stephenson

We have covered so many topics in these blogs.? By my count this is blog number 74 and I think this may be one of the most important topics I’ve covered.? It is important because of its impact on interviewing, and, I don’t know about you, but there seems to be a great lack of authenticity in life, politics, business, and relationships. This lack of authenticity can frankly be depressing at times.? I don’t want to be inauthentic. Remember as my friend Don Rabon often says, the interview room is but a microcosm of society.

I have spoken many times about the number one reason people tell us the truth in the interviewing room is the confidence and credibility (integrity) of the interviewer.? At the root cause of this is being authentic!? Do a self-analysis and some soul searching.? Are you being authentic, do you even know how?? Stop contributing to the in-authenticity all around us.

Being authentic refers to being true to oneself, genuine, and real in one's thoughts, actions, and expressions. It applies across the board. Authenticity involves being honest and transparent, presenting oneself without pretense or artificiality. It is about staying true to one's values, beliefs, and principles, even when faced with challenges or societal expectations.? You don’t have to be rude and arrogant, but you should be committed.

Authenticity intersects with confidence and credibility in many ways:

1. Self-Confidence: Authenticity is closely linked to self-confidence. When you are authentic, you are comfortable with who you are, and this self-assurance can boost your confidence. Knowing and accepting oneself, flaws and all, contributes to a genuine sense of confidence that isn't reliant on external validation. If you have this attribute, you will be a much better and more effective interviewer.
2. Credibility: Authenticity enhances credibility because it fosters trust. When people perceive you as authentic, they are more likely to believe in your words and actions. Credibility is built on a foundation of trust, and authenticity is a key element in establishing and maintaining that trust. Trust is the essence of rapport in the interview room.
3. Consistency: Authenticity involves being consistent in your values and behavior across different situations. Consistency is a critical component of credibility. When others can rely on you to act in alignment with your principles, it enhances your credibility.? How many of you want to find people like this in your life, then be that person in other people’s lives.
4. Effective Communication: Authentic communication is more persuasive. When you express yourself genuinely and transparently, your message is likely to resonate with others. People are more inclined to listen and respond positively when they sense authenticity in your communication.
5. Resilience: Authentic individuals are often more resilient in the face of challenges. This resilience stems from a solid understanding of oneself and the ability to navigate difficulties while staying true to one's values. This resilience does, in turn, contribute to confidence and credibility.

Authenticity, confidence, and credibility are interconnected qualities that reinforce each other. Being authentic builds confidence, which, in turn, enhances credibility. This holistic approach to personal and professional interactions fosters meaningful connections and positive relationships.? This combination is at the base of quality interviewing and interactions.

“True belonging doesn’t require you to change who you are; it requires you to be who you are.” - Brene Brown

On the other side of the spectrum, what are the results of you being inauthentic.? Being inauthentic can lead to various negative consequences, both personally and professionally. These actions will destroy your effectiveness completing interviews and in life. Here are some common results of being inauthentic:

1. Loss of Trust:? One of the most significant consequences of being inauthentic is a loss of trust. When people sense that you are not being genuine, it erodes the trust they may have had in you. Trust is crucial in relationships, and once it's damaged, it can be challenging to rebuild.? It is easy to lose, but very hard to reclaim.

2.???? Stress and Anxiety:? Maintaining a fa?ade or pretending to be someone you're not is mentally and emotionally exhausting, just like lying. The constant effort to keep up appearances and fear of being "found out" can lead to stress, anxiety, and burnout. Don’t be an imposter.

3.???? Strained Relationships:? In-authenticity can strain relationships, both personal and professional. People generally value authenticity in others (not always in themselves) and can sense when someone is not being genuine. This can lead to strained interactions and a lack of connection with others.

4.???? Undermined Credibility:? Being inauthentic can undermine your credibility. If people perceive a misalignment between your words and actions, they may question your honesty and reliability, which can have detrimental effects on your professional reputation. In the interview room, if the deceitful person perceives you to by a liar, why would they tell you the truth.

5.???? Missed Opportunities for Connection:? Authenticity fosters genuine connections with others. When you are inauthentic, you may miss out on opportunities to connect with people on a deeper level. Authenticity allows for more meaningful relationships and collaborations. These relationships result in growth and development.

6.???? Identity Crisis: ?Constantly portraying a false image can lead to an identity crisis. Over time, you may lose touch with your true self, making it challenging to understand your values, goals, and desires. A different definition of a “deep fake.”

7.???? Decreased Self-Esteem:? Being inauthentic can take a toll on your self-esteem. If you feel that you need to hide your true self or conform to others' expectations, it can contribute to feelings of inadequacy and a diminished sense of self-worth. This can result in procrastination and lack of an ability to act.

8.???? Impaired Decision-Making:? In-authenticity can lead to poor decision-making. If you're not true to your values and beliefs, you may make choices that are not aligned with your authentic self, potentially leading to dissatisfaction and regret. If you stand for nothing, you will fall for anything.

9.???? Isolation:? People may distance themselves from those they perceive as inauthentic. The fear of judgment and rejection can result in social isolation, as others may be hesitant to form genuine connections with someone they perceive as not being true to themselves. Stay away from partnering with them in the interview room.

10. Limited Personal Growth:? Embracing authenticity is often a catalyst for personal growth and self-discovery. Being inauthentic may hinder your ability to learn more about yourself, set meaningful goals, and pursue a path that aligns with your true aspirations.

The results of being inauthentic are detrimental to personal well-being, relationships, and professional success. Embracing authenticity, on the other hand, can lead to a more fulfilling and meaningful life.? When you examine yourself, personally and professionally, where are you at?? Do you need to make some changes? Do you need to find those core values to ensure ethical behavior?

Anderson Investigative Associates is positioned to custom-tailor training to your specific needs.? If you have any questions or would like to discuss the above issue of being authentic and its effect or any training need, please reach out.? Additional issues pertaining to interviewing, auditing, and investigations can be found in other blogs and videos that I have produced and are contained in most blocks of instruction that our company presents.

If you have additional questions, comments, or have an interviewing topic you would like me to address, give me a shout.?I would love to hear from you. In the meantime, be well, stay safe out there, and become the most authentic real version of yourself….it will change many aspects of your life.

Mark A. Anderson

Director of Training and Development

Anderson Investigative Associates, llc

114 Loucks Avenue

Scottdale, PA 15683

[email protected]

tel:912-571-6686

www.AndersonInvestigative.com

https://www.dhirubhai.net/in/mark-a-anderson-a46a1658