A Genuine Read

A WORD, AN ETHOS …

In being invited to write a brief blog on a topic of my choice – a topic that will make an impact within 350 words or so, I reflected for a few minutes and decided off my own bat to reduce the remit from being on a particular topic to homing in on one word.

In business, certain “buzz-words” come along every so often that seem to stick, that resonate as more than just a word, but as a way of behaving, a code of practice, a modus operandi.

Encouragingly and, in many ways, inspirationally more connections within my business network are identifying this one word as a key cornerstone of their own ethical and moral compasses, as they navigate through the cut and thrust of daily life, and indeed, corporate life. That word is:

AUTHENTICITY

Whether it is as a business leader, seeking to inspire a team of fellow colleagues, or perhaps in a sales scenario whereby you are aiming to gain trust and credibility from a new prospect; it may well be in the delicate handling of an element of dissatisfaction from within a group or from a client, authenticity – the quality of being genuine or real – is a character trait that can truly make a positive difference.

Across all elements of your business, authenticity can live. It can live in your marketing messages, it can live as one of the key characteristics that you look for in new staff, it can be one of the key traits that you seek in a new supplier. Authenticity can, ultimately, become a key tenet of your business culture and ethos.

In my experience, we can all sense when something or someone is authentic. We appreciate it and warm to it. We are drawn to want to commit to it. When we are practicing authenticity across our businesses, we offer our solutions (in other words, sell) easier and more confidently. We feel more at ease in challenging situations and we breathe easier.

To conclude the reflection, there is maybe no better way than through a couple of choice quotes on authenticity. Thanks for reading.

“Authenticity is a collection of choices that we have to make each day. It’s about the choice to show up and be honest. The choice to let our true selves be seen.”                        Brené Brown

“Authenticity is the alignment of head, mouth, heart, and feet - thinking, saying, feeling, and doing the same thing - consistently. This builds trust ...”  Lance Secretan

To discuss how Full Circle could support you, contact us to arrange a consultation.

Gary McArdle

Director

Full Circle Management Solutions