Whom Do Authentic Leaders Really Impress?
In the relentless pursuit of validation, you often find yourself on a treadmill of trying to impress. But have you ever paused to ask whom you are trying to impress?
And, more importantly, why?
The Trap of Seeking Approval
It's a universal human desire to be liked, appreciated, and valued. However, this desire can sometimes lead us down a path where we prioritize the opinions of others over our well-being. One of the most universal causes of self-doubt and depression is trying to impress people we don't even like. It's a paradoxical situation where we sacrifice our peace of mind for the fleeting validation of individuals who might not hold genuine regard for us.
Choosing the Right Audience
Too many people spend money they haven’t earned to buy things they don’t want, to impress people they don’t like
Stressing to impress isn't inherently harmful. It can be a driving force that propels us to achieve more, to push our boundaries, and to strive for excellence. The key, however, lies in directing this energy towards the right audience. Instead of seeking validation from everyone, focus on those you genuinely admire and want to emulate. These individuals' opinions truly matter as they align with your values and aspirations.
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The Power of Authenticity
When you shift your focus to impressing the right people, you'll find that it's less about putting on a facade and more about being authentic. Authenticity resonates. It builds trust, fosters genuine connections, and, most importantly, brings inner peace. By being true to yourself, you attract the right people into your life and repel those who don't align with your values.
Redefining Success
Success isn't about how many people you can impress but the quality of connections you forge. It's about building relationships based on mutual respect, admiration, and shared values. So, the next time you find yourself stressing over someone's opinion, ask yourself: Is this someone I genuinely want to impress? Or am I caught in the trap of seeking universal approval?
Life is too short to spend trying to win the admiration of people who don't truly matter in your journey. Focus on those who inspire you, challenge you, and help you grow.
After all, the only person you should aim to impress is the one staring back at you in the mirror.
Business Advisor
1 年Interesting piece, Rick Mans. It prompts me to reflect on how masks have been depicted in art, particularly in the works of Gillian Wearing. She delves into the paradox of authenticity and the masks we don to hide our true selves. Yet, there's an inherent desire to be recognised for who we truly are - we may hide behind our roles, personas, and expectations, but the question remains: how can we unveil our true selves through our actions, words, and emotions? As the author of The New Rules of Executive Presence in Harvard Business Review points out, authenticity is a critical component of leadership in the age of inclusion. It's not enough to have the right appearance, skills, and gravitas; we also need to project our genuine values, passions, and beliefs. Yet, authenticity is a complex endeavour. It demands courage, vulnerability, and self-awareness. It also calls for balance, as we must adapt to varying situations and audiences without sacrificing our integrity. As Gillian W insightfully puts it, "We all don different masks for different occasions, but we must always remember who we are underneath." Thanks for writing this.