What does Authenticity Mean?

Authenticity is a buzz word we hear all the time. It’s almost becoming cliché. It’s the anchor of my own business’ name. What does it mean? According to Dictionary.com, “authenticity is the quality or conditions of being authentic, trustworthy, or genuine.” You know it when you see it in someone. They’re not concerned with what others think but relish who they are, embracing their blend of qualities, talents, foibles, and vices and putting the whole package to good use in their life and the lives of others. Authentic people are refreshing to be around. Those who fail to be so aligned drain us, confuse us, fool us and cause us to disengage.

It is a truth that you can be the most competent person in the world but if you lack authenticity and likeability people will avoid you or work around you. Whereas, those who are likeable are squeezed for every bit of competency they have to offer. We see this right now with Barak Obama and Hillary Clinton. Hillary Clinton can talk circles around Barak when it comes to policy. But Barak is arguably more likeable and certainly more inspirational. In turn, the results of the Democratic primary are proving to be far closer than the Clintons ever imagined they would be.