The Hypocrisy Allowance

There are things we are better at inspiring others to take on than doing ourselves. Especially for those who are supposed to be respected, followed, and revered, from bosses to fathers to politicians, there is too often only a thin line between authenticity and hypocrisy. These venerated leaders expound idealistic truths, set aspirational expectations, and instill a sense of optimistic confidence in their environment, known by various names such as corporate culture, family values, or even national patriotism. But of course, common sense and a quick reality check would swiftly conclude that, despite the adage “You should practice what you preach”, there is a good chance these good people are biting off more than they can chew.

So how do we square this authenticity circle? Being humans too, they are equally entitled to all the trappings, not least the opportunities to grow and learn. In walking the talk, there is often obstacles, or divergent paths of equal feasibility; in modeling the way, the ‘way’ may be broader than what the critics’ perspectives embrace.

In navigating the authenticity-hypocrisy tight rope, the invaluable balancing pole would be the hypocrisy allowance afforded to them by their people. This allowance is earned, paradoxically, by humbly owning up to how they could fall short of their own advocacy and demonstrating how they are wanting to learn from and alongside their people. Being one of the masses while on a pedestal is a highly mindful act, whilst complacency and arrogance are ill afforded, inappropriate openness may end up diluting their original impact.

Wise leaders do not channel their energy into perfecting their flaws, instead, they meditate on earning hypocrisy allowance commensurate with their role, stature and audience.