Truth, Trust, Honesty and Authenticity with Ed Robinson

Authenticity is about being the author of your own story

Authenticity is a concept often discussed in the workplace, especially when it comes to leadership. Today when people use the term "authenticity" they usually mean that they are being honest and open. To be an authentic leader is to be genuine.

Whilst being genuine in the workplace is both challenging and valuable, to use the term "authenticity" in this way is to misunderstand its original meaning, not to mention missing out on the true value that authenticity has to offer.

If you want to understand the true meaning of authenticity you need to go back to its root. The Latin root of the word "authenticity" is "author", so being "authentic" doesn't mean being honest about who you are, it's about being your own "author". Authenticity is an active and creative process. It's not about revealing something, it's about building something; and that something is "you".