Connect with us

Success Advice

6 Reasons Why Authenticity Is The Key To Success

Published

on

Authenticity
Joel Brown

What is your definition of success?

No seriously, what is it?

Is it money? A house? A car? A boat?

Interestingly enough, monetary gains are hardly ever part of the definition of success for big league entrepreneurs. Their definitions all stem from more meaningful insights. Words like perseverance, active engagement and changing the world are continuously present. And just look at the entrepreneurs themselves: they all have 1 major thing in common, don’t they? They’re extremely authentic.

Authenticity is mostly associated with not acting like someone else and voicing your own truths. It means NOT being pressured into decisions or judgments by outside influences. It is about trusting YOUR heart and your gut instinct and following it no matter what.

Sounds easy enough right?

But being authentic is definitely not the easy road to success. It means that you will potentially have to go against the grain of what is considered ‘normal’. You’ll have to stick your neck out for what you really stand for.

But here’s the BIG secret…there is no easy road to success! Not one that is sustainable in the long run at least, or one in which you will still like yourself. Sorry to break it to you, but it’s the truth; ask any of the big entrepreneurs out there.

 

Here are 6 reasons that further clarify that authenticity is absolutely essential to your entrepreneurial success:

 

1. Decision Making Becomes A Lot More Easy

If you are absolutely true and faithful to your vision then nothing will be able to distract you from achieving it. You will no longer spend your time on meetings or projects that do not add value simply because you’re better able to say NO.

This does not mean that you’ll need to become harsh and unsympathetic but you’ll be a lot clearer about what is and what isn’t on your priority list.

Better yet,the more clear YOU are about your vision and the direction your business is going in, the more clear EVERYONE you work with is on this. Meaning that you’ll spend less time explaining yourself, less time answering questions or making decisions for others. You’ll have made sure others can make the exact same decisions themselves.

 

2. Sleazeballs Will Have Nothing On You

Trusting your own instincts will sharpen your ability to distinguish between those people that are completely honest and those that are not.

If you’re working hard on ensuring honesty and trust in your business, than you sure don’t want to be bothered with people who are potentially dishonest and disloyal. You know upfront that these people will just eat up your time and energy and in the long run not bring you, and your business, any value.

You need to make sure though that you can see beyond any potential short-term gains and focus on the fact that these types of people can seriously hurt your business in the long run. Listen to those instincts and save yourself a lot of trouble!

 

3. You Will Attract The Most Awesome People To Work For You

What happens to you when someone is not completely straight with you? Does it make you want to listen to that person? Does it make you trust that person? Does that person inspire you to work your very best?

Probably not. No scrap that, DEFINITELY not.

People are inspired by leaders who interact with them in a meaningful way. Who tell them the truth. Who are not afraid to be human and admit to making mistakes (just like they do).

Unfortunately, 82% of people do not trust that their leaders tell them the truth (Edelman Trust Barometer 2013 Annual Global Study) 82%!! That is shocking!!

That means that when YOU are part of that exclusive 18% that CAN be trusted and especially when you’ve made sure that that trust is an integral part of your entire business culture, then there is no doubt that you will attract only the best of the best to your business.

authentic self picture quote

4. You Will Learn At An Explosive Rate

As you’re open to new experiences and you’re honest about the fact that you don’t know everything – yes, that’s right, you don’t! – it will be a whole lot easier to learn new things.

And it’s not just the more elusive spiritual lessons I’m talking about here. It’s also simply the fact that you’ll be self confident enough to hire an expert when it’s required; to acknowledge that you don’t know everything and that you’re open to be taught and coached.

It’s actually one of the biggest pitfalls for entrepreneurs: thinking they know it all and being too stubborn to get some help. Keeping this up just means that you’re digging your own business grave!

 

5. You Will Never Have Any Regrets

Sure you will still make mistakes and misjudge situations and people at times, but you listened to your gut and trusted that AT THAT POINT IN TIME.

That means that you’ve taken conscious decisions to do whatever it was that you did; even when it was difficult, hard or even scary.

So even when the outcome of your efforts were not as you hoped them to be, there’s no way you will be placing any blame or regrets on yourself. All you’re left with are extremely valuable lessons that you’ll take with you to you next decision.

 

6. You Will Represent Quality And Trust

You might say NO to profitable deals. You might say NO to some super qualified employee. You might even say NO to being the CEO of the company you founded.

You will say NO when something is just NOT in line with your vision and your truth. And you’re absolutely okay with that!

This requires a lot of guts and ultimately means that you cannot be bought. People, investors, clients, will all recognize this and the right ones will value it for exactly what it’s worth.

The level of quality you bring to the table is undeniable and that means that people can trust you and your product without any doubt. This is simply priceless.

 

“Truth will ultimately prevail where there is pains to bring it to light” – George Washington

 

As said before, the authentic road is not necessarily the easiest. But it is the one that will take you, and your business, the furthest.

 

Authenticity Quotes To Remember

“We have to dare to be ourselves, however frightening or strange that self may prove to be.” – May Sarton

“Why, when we know that there’s no such thing as perfect, do most of us spend an incredible amount of time and energy trying to be everything to everyone? Is it that we really admire perfection? No – the truth is that we are actually drawn to people who are real and down-to-earth. We love authenticity and we know that life is messy and imperfect.” – Brene Brown

“The privilege of a lifetime is to become who you truly are.” – C.G. Jung

“There is nothing more beautiful than seeing a person being themselves. Imagine going through your day being unapologetically you.” – Steve Maraboli

:Authenticity is the alignment of head, mouth, heart, and feet – thinking, saying, feeling, and doing the same thing – consistently. This builds trust, and followers love leaders they can trust.” – Lance Secretan

 

Advertisement
5 Comments

5 Comments

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Entrepreneurs

The Leadership Shift Every Company Needs in 2025

Struggling to keep your team engaged? Here’s how leaders can turn frustrated employees into loyal advocates.

Published

on

Bridging the gap between employees and employers
Image Credit: Midjourney

In workplaces around the world, there’s a growing gap between employers and employees and between superiors and their teams. It’s a common refrain: “People don’t leave companies, they leave bad bosses.”

While there are, of course, cases where management could do better, this isn’t just a “bad boss” problem. The relationship between leaders and employees is complex. Instead of assigning blame, we should explore practical solutions to build stronger, healthier workplaces where everyone thrives.

Why This Gap Exists

Every workplace needs someone to guide, supervise, and provide feedback. That’s essential for productivity and performance. But because there are usually far more employees than managers, dissatisfaction, fair or not, spreads quickly.

What if, instead of focusing on blame, we focused on building trust, empathy, and communication? This is where modern leadership and human-centered management can make a difference.

Tools and Techniques to Bridge the Gap

Here are proven strategies leaders and employees can use to foster stronger relationships and create a workplace where people actually want to stay.

1. Practice Mutual Empathy

Both managers and employees need to recognize they are ultimately on the same team. Leaders have to balance people and performance, and often face intense pressure to hit targets. Employees who understand this reality are more likely to cooperate and problem-solve collaboratively.

2. Maintain Professional Boundaries

Superiors should separate personal issues from professional decision-making. Consistency, fairness, and integrity build trust, and trust is the foundation of a motivated team.

3. Follow the Golden Rule

Treat people how you would like to be treated. This simple principle encourages compassion and respect, two qualities every effective leader must demonstrate.

4. Avoid Micromanagement

Micromanaging stifles creativity and damages morale. Great leaders see themselves as partners, not just bosses, and treat their teams as collaborators working toward a shared goal.

5. Empower Employees to Grow

Empowerment means giving employees responsibility that matches their capacity, and then trusting them to deliver. Encourage them to take calculated risks, learn from mistakes, and problem-solve independently. If something goes wrong, turn it into a learning opportunity, not a reprimand.

6. Communicate in All Directions

Communication shouldn’t just be top-down. Invite feedback, create open channels for suggestions, and genuinely listen to what your people have to say. Healthy upward communication closes gaps before they become conflicts.

7. Overcome Insecurities

Many leaders secretly fear being outshone by younger, more tech-savvy employees. Instead of resisting, embrace the chance to learn from them. Humility earns respect and helps the team innovate faster.

8. Invest in Coaching and Mentorship

True leaders grow other leaders. Provide mentorship, career guidance, and stretch opportunities so employees can develop new skills. Leadership is learned through experience, but guided experience is even more powerful.

9. Eliminate Favoritism

Avoid cliques and office politics. Decisions should be based on facts and fairness, not gossip. Objective, transparent decision-making builds credibility.

10. Recognize Efforts Promptly

Recognition often matters more than rewards. Publicly appreciate employees’ contributions and do so consistently and fairly. A timely “thank you” can be more motivating than a quarterly bonus.

11. Conduct Thoughtful Exit Interviews

When employees leave, treat it as an opportunity to learn. Keep interviews confidential and use the insights to improve management practices and culture.

12. Provide Leadership Development

Train managers to lead, not just supervise. Leadership development programs help shift mindsets from “command and control” to “coach and empower.” This transformation has a direct impact on morale and retention.

13. Adopt Soft Leadership Principles

Today’s workforce, largely millennials and Gen Z, value collaboration over hierarchy. Soft leadership focuses on partnership, mutual respect, and shared purpose, rather than rigid top-down control.

The Bigger Picture: HR’s Role

Mercer’s global research highlights five key priorities for organizations:

  • Build diverse talent pipelines

  • Embrace flexible work models

  • Design compelling career paths

  • Simplify HR processes

  • Redefine the value HR brings

The challenge? Employers and employees often view these priorities differently. Bridging that perception gap is just as important as bridging the relational gap between leaders and staff.

Treat Employees Like Associates, Not Just Staff

When you treat employees like partners, they bring their best selves to work. HR leaders must develop strategies to keep talent engaged, empowered, and prepared for the future.

Organizational success starts with people, always. Build the relationship with your team first, and the results will follow.

Continue Reading

Entrepreneurs

What Makes an Entrepreneurial Leader? Traits of the World’s Best Innovators

Inside the mindset of entrepreneurial leaders who transform risk, passion, and vision into world-changing results.

Published

on

entrepreneurial leadership skills and traits
Image Credit: Midjourney

When you think of Richard Branson (Virgin Group), Bill Gates (Microsoft), Steve Jobs (Apple), Rupert Murdoch (News Corporation), and Ted Turner (CNN), one thing becomes clear: they are not just entrepreneurs, they are entrepreneurial leaders. (more…)

Continue Reading

Entrepreneurs

Building a Business Empire: Lessons from the World’s Boldest Entrepreneurs

Learn essential lessons, success strategies, and mindset shifts every aspiring entrepreneur needs to overcome challenges and build a thriving business.

Published

on

how to build a business empire
Image Credit: Midjourney

Back in July 2017, I attended a business seminar on entrepreneurship in India. With my appetite for learning and meeting new people, I wanted to explore the latest developments in the entrepreneurial world. (more…)

Continue Reading

Change Your Mindset

Why Ideas Are More Valuable Than Resources for Entrepreneurial Success

Discover why ideas, not resources, are the true driving force behind entrepreneurial success, innovation, and lasting growth.

Published

on

Power of ideas in entrepreneurship
Image Credit: Midjourney

History shows us that the greatest minds, Albert Einstein, Thomas Edison, Oprah Winfrey, Michael Jordan, Walt Disney, Stephen King, and countless others, faced failure early on. Yet, instead of seeing failure as the end, they treated it as a comma in their story, not a full stop. (more…)

Continue Reading

Trending