People want real. Being authentic, or showing your true self, isn’t always easy. It’s human nature to fear judgment and guard privacy. But in the end, being appropriately authentic is the key to success for many careers.
Why it matters
Being authentic builds trust with others. It strengthens respect and forms deeper connections. Whether you’re the leader of a team or the host of a show, building trust and connections with people will benefit you no matter what.
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With authenticity you not only build trust with others but also with yourself. This helps with confidence and leads to less stress and anxiety.
How to be authentic
In order to be authentic it’s important to be yourself. It’s natural to want to tell people what we think they want to hear. But people can tell when you’re not being genuine.
Know your values, your strengths, your weaknesses and your ultimate goals. Part of being authentic is admitting when you make a mistake and learning to grow.
Be flexible
It’s natural to act differently in different situations, whether you’re in an office meeting or at a dinner with old friends. So while certain behaviors change depending on the setting, you can still always be your authentic self. Know how to be flexible.
Here are some things to keep in mind with authenticity in addition to the above: don’t make assumptions about others, be honest, be communicative, show respect.
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And ultimately – be your real self!
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