It’s a person that would never waver, or change who they are just to try and gain some credibility so they could feel accepted by a stranger – Writer/Rap Artist NF
If you are like me and dig some good rap music, look no further than artist NF. We are big fans in my household as his lyrics all have meaning and all tell a story. The guy is a lyrical genius for sure. Bonus that he refrains from swear words in his music, so it’s more “kid” safe! That quote comes from his song “HOPE”. He is referring to being real with yourself, and not “playing to the crowd” to not just try and fit in.
In a world where social interactions are integral to our daily lives, especially when it comes to being a leader, the desire to fit in and be accepted can sometimes lead us down a path of conformity. Whether it’s in our friendships, relationships, or our leadership, the temptation to “play to the crowd” can be strong. And many of us find ourselves doing it sometimes, more often than we even realize. However, in the pursuit of authenticity holds the key to establishing deeper connections with others, and fostering more meaningful relationships, which in turn helps us to be better leaders.
The Urge to Play to the Crowd – We are by nature social creatures, driven by the need for belonging and acceptance. From a young age, we learn to adapt our behaviors to align with the norms of our social groups. This tendency to conform can become particularly pronounced when it comes to friendships, relationships, and in leadership positions. We often find ourselves molding our opinions, preferences, and even our personalities to mirror those around us. Truth be told, it can be exhausting. And the sad reality is we don’t even realize we do it sometimes.
Friendships: The Quest for Connection – In our friendships, the pressure to fit in can lead us to suppress our true selves. We might downplay our interests, successes, avoid expressing opinions, our spiritual lives, or adopt certain other behaviors to gain approval. While this may initially create a sense of camaraderie, it ultimately limits the depth of our connections. True friendships thrive on genuine understanding and acceptance, making authenticity a vital ingredient for lasting bonds with the people we want in our lives.
When it comes to leadership, the pressure to conform can be particularly daunting. Leaders often feel the need to project an image of confidence and authority, even if it means suppressing their vulnerabilities or doubts. Yet, effective leadership is rooted in authenticity. Leaders who acknowledge their imperfections and allow their true selves to shine through are more relatable and inspire greater trust among their people!
Personal story – In the early days of my leadership at Atlas, I felt like I needed to have the answers to everything. I thought that my team members would find me incompetent as a leader and leave me if there was an issue that arose(and trust me, there were more than I can count). When the problems were bigger than my quick responses to everything could cover, my need to rely on others was more prevalent than ever. I found that being humble, and admitting I didn’t know how to handle everything coming my way, actually did just the opposite of what I feared would happen. Our team wanted to level up and step in. This started the journey of leadership growth that would finally begin to outpace problems. Trying to be something I wasn’t and know things I didn’t was eroding my leadership and was mentally draining on me. To the point that some mornings I didn’t even want to get out of bed!
What I learned about the POWER of Authenticity – Embracing authenticity in all aspects of life brings about transformative benefits. When we dare to be ourselves, we invite others to do the same. Authenticity builds a foundation of trust, as people are drawn to those who are genuine and unafraid to show their true colors. In friendships, authenticity leads to a deeper sense of connection. In relationships, it enhances understanding amongst others. In leadership, it fosters a culture of openness and togetherness! While authenticity is essential, it’s important to recognize that navigating the balance between being true to oneself and “fitting in” with others is a nuanced journey. It’s not about rejecting social norms, but rather about consciously choosing when to conform and when to assert one’s authentic self. Understanding the context and the impact of our choices can help us make informed decisions that align with our values!
Bringing it home… In a world that often encourages conformity, the quest for authenticity remains a powerful antidote. Whether in friendships, relationships, or our leadership, embracing exactly who we are enriches our connections, enhances our experiences, and enables us to lead in all areas of our lives with integrity. As we navigate these complexities, let us remember that true fulfillment comes from being authentically, unapologetically, and beautifully ourselves. And there is incredible power in just that – Being who we are and who we were called to be!