Genuinely Authentic

A well-spoken compliment is to a wilting person what a cool drink of water is to a

thirsty runner, “LIFE.” I learned this one day while sitting alone in a restaurant eating

lunch without my cell phone because I had left it on the charger in my office. I hate it

when I do that, don’t you? But isn’t it funny what happens to you personally when you

are alone with no phone and no one with which to indulge in an engaging conversation;

your ears wander, like a kid in a candy shop, listening to find that tasty conversation that

draws you to it. Some call that eavesdropping, but there is no malintent on my part, so I

call it “social engagement studies (SES).”

During this particular SES, I gleaned an insight that stoked my passion

authenticity and demonstrated the powerful impact that an authentic leader makes.

Indulge me while I provide some context. These people were attending a school for

advanced military training; I know because I was on staff at the institution they were

attending, and I knew the senior advisor and mentor of their group. Several people were

sitting around a table discussing their small group leader, who happened to be the

senior advisor and mentor of their small group. They spoke of the positive impact and

power influence this senior leader had on the collective group, and on each individual

member. They spoke of his commitment to listen to them, to invest in them, to facilitate

their strengths, and to encourage and help them find ways to overcome their

weaknesses. He gave LIFE by listening, investing, facilitating, and encouraging them.

This is what authentic leaders do; give life to those they lead. What was really

interesting was what one of the advancing officers said of that senior leader. He called

him, “The Real Deal.” This is the highest of compliments to an authentic leader. I

returned to my office, and on my way in, I ran into that senior leader about who those

people were talking. I let him know what happened at lunch and that his group of

students had dubbed him, “The Real Deal.” He smiled and humbly said, “Shouldn’t that

be the goal of all who lead?!”

Is that your goal?