#Be Real...Be True...Be YOU!

“Be real. Try to do what you say, say what you mean, and be what you seem.” Marian Wright Edelman

Recently I was asked to give a keynote on personal branding. One of my favorite quotes, noted above, embodies how I feel about this topic.

At the beginning of each new year, it’s natural for us to reflect on the year gone by and ponder what may lie in front of us in the year ahead. As we affirm our priorities, no doubt a number of us are thinking through whether we’re “being true to ourselves,” both at work and at home. This brings to mind the topic of “authenticity” and it may or may not surprise you that as to my “personal brand,” one top descriptor I hope comes to mind when people think of me is “authentic.”

I believe this topic is vitally important because our fullest potential can only be realized when we are being true to ourselves, with each of us being “the real me.”  Do you agree?

Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to coach, mentor and support many people both inside and outside of work. One of the things I try to do early on in the relationship is to understand who that person “really is.” These days, often times many “realities” are being portrayed, and sometimes, it’s not really clear which one is the “real” one. “Reality-based” media and the political state across the world come to mind as two good examples of asserted realities and the challenge of ever-changing fa?ades and personas.

So what do I mean, when I say the “real” person? Each one of us has unique attributes and aspirations, as each of us comes from a background and set of experiences that only we can claim. Too often, I find that people try to be someone that they are not – or maybe someone that others have told them they should be. Admittedly, this was me in my younger years – trying to bridge the cultural, generational, aspirational and interest gaps that I had with my parents and other authority figures.

Throughout my career, I’ve had the opportunity to spend time with customers from a diverse range of industries who hail from organizations of all sizes. One theme I frequently hear from executive clients is that they didn’t want to be “sold to.” Does that mean they don’t like “salespeople”? Of course not. Rather, their input is much more substantive – what they are saying is that they don’t want to hear about someone else’s agenda…they don’t want to be approached with a product or technology-only lens. Rather, they’re interested in spending time with people who understand their business and their industry, those who bring unique skills, insights, and experiences, and those who add value to them in the context of their strategy and business challenges. Does this sound familiar to you? If you’re a client, is this what you would want in a “salesperson”?

We all know that the best salespeople (and people in general) are those who are truly AUTHENTIC. They are REAL, and they REALLY care about their clients’ business. They’re not motivated to force the widget of the month, rather, they are always thinking about their clients’ environment – whether it be their strategies, competitive differentiators or business processes. One of the most favorite parts of my job is when I’m with a client who tells me that they view their account team as invaluable partners. They trust them completely. They don’t feel “sold to” by these teams – our account teams are really part of their team, and our clients trust them completely. These authentic people bring both character and competence to their roles, every moment of every day.

Do you ever find yourself in conversation saying (or thinking) “is that for real” or “seriously, is he/she for real?” To realize our fullest potential, it’s imperative that we be true to ourselves and to our values and be real. It actually takes way more energy trying to be something or someone that you are not. And it’s a slippery slope losing your authenticity, as it’s inextricably linked to your integrity and your character. 

What do you think? Have you been in situations where an alternate reality has been asserted? Do you sometimes feel that it’s hard to “be real” or “be yourself?” How do you manage to not lose your authenticity, especially during times of stress and hardship, and stay grounded in what’s most important?

Will you join me in a commitment to embrace our authentic selves – i.e., YOU BE YOU – as a critical factor for success in 2017? Please do! Each one of us brings unique diversity, talent, experiences, skills, knowledge, perspectives, and more to the table. No doubt in my mind that we are STRONGER when we’re being our true selves every day. I’d love to hear your thoughts on this topic. Here’s to a 2017 filled with real challenges and opportunities, as well as the real me and you!