Core value · Truth family
Authenticity
Being the same person inside and out
Also covers Sincerity
What does authenticity mean as a core value?
Authenticity as a core value means letting what you say, show and choose reflect what you actually think and feel, without putting on a version of yourself for effect.
Pretending costs you more than it costs most people. Putting on a work persona, laughing at jokes you don’t find funny or claiming enthusiasm you don’t feel leaves you tired and slightly ashamed. Authenticity is about being the same person inside and out, so your words, tone and choices reflect what’s actually going on in you. As a core value, it often shows up as a strong allergy to spin, in yourself and in others.
What does authenticity look like in practice?
- You tell a new team what you’re unsure about, even when total confidence would look better.
- You wear what feels like you to an event, even if it’s not quite what’s expected.
- You skip the networking drinks you’d only attend to be seen there.
- You let friends see you on a bad day, and skip the “I’m fine”.
- You write your own speech, even when someone has drafted a more polished one.
When is authenticity overplayed?
Authenticity can become a licence. “I’m just being who I am” can excuse moods, rudeness or a refusal to adapt to people who need something different from you. It can also freeze you: if you’re only allowed to be your current self, trying a new way of leading or relating feels fake. Healthy authenticity leaves room to grow and flex. As an experiment, you could adapt your style to the room on purpose once, and notice whether what you said still felt like you.
Often confused with
Authenticity vs Integrity
Integrity is being true to your principles. Authenticity is being true to yourself, which can mean being openly inconsistent as you change.
Authenticity vs Honesty
Honesty is about telling other people the truth. Authenticity is about not performing a version of yourself you aren’t.
Authenticity vs Individuality
Individuality is being distinct from others. Authenticity doesn’t require standing out, only that what people see is really you.
Questions to sit with
- In which setting do you feel most like you’re playing a part, and what would change if you stopped?
- What part of yourself do you edit out at work, and what does that editing cost?
- When has “just being myself” let you off something you could have handled differently?
More values in Truth
Honesty, openness and being who you say you are.
About the author
Matt Rutherford is a Career and Leadership Coach. The Values Finder is the same exercise he uses with his coaching clients. He also writes Stuff that MattRs, a weekly newsletter with practical ideas to help you think clearer and work better.
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