Don't Be a Hypocrite, It's Bad for Business

One of the most common forms of feedback I receive is “You are just so real” and it is given as a compliment which I am thankful for, but it is also given as a distinctive which causes me concern. My concern is, why do we feel the pressure to pretend to be someone we are not? What does it mean to live authentically and not as a hypocrite?

Authentic defined:

1: not false or imitation : REAL, ACTUAL

2: true to one's own personality, spirit, or character

is sincere and authentic with no pretensions

My personal commitment to authenticity has been to pursue being open, honest, transparent and candid (as best as I can.) Sometimes knowing the opposite of a word helps us to know how to act or speak with more intention. In the case of authenticity, the opposite is hypocrisy. I don’t want to live like a hypocrite. 

The word hypocrite is Greek, and it was used to describe an actor who would put on a mask to portray a noble person in a theatrical show. It has become part of our language as it describes a person who is pretending to be someone they are not. It is also where we get the idea of being “two faced.” This behavior is extremely detrimental to relationships because it removes trust from our connections with people. In Matthew 15:7-8 Jesus condemns hypocrisy, as people who say things with their mouth but believe something different in their hearts:

⁷ You hypocrites! Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you, for he wrote,⁸ ‘These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me.

Matthew 15:7-8

Authenticity Creates Business Relationships

Simon Sinek a popular voice in leadership development says “authenticity is saying and doing the things you believe, because the things you say and do are symbols of who you are.” This is crucial in relationship building. People are drawn to other people that share the same symbols. This is what forms the basis of our relationships. If you put out false symbols you will still attract people to yourself, but you will not form trust with them. Have you ever worked with someone that you didn’t trust? In most instances, these relationships are not long term and usually cause a higher level of anxiety. Therefore, When we operate as our true selves we connect with people better. All your clients are humans, all your investors are people, your employees and team are all valuable relationships and your ability to connect matters.

“People want to follow a leader that is real more than one who is right”

Craig Groeschel

In my years of working in business I have learned that who you really are comes across. If you really care about people, it is evident, If you really are a person of prayer, people know it. Whoever you are in private will reveal itself at some point. The burden of living with inconsistency in our character can be a heavy and confusing load, so be your best self in private. Pray and ask God to help you with those inconsistencies and He promises to help.

Perfection vs Authenticity

I want to be clear about one point, authenticity is not about perfection. Being perfect is also a heavy burden to bear, however despite our flaws we can still pursue authenticity. 

“To be authentic is to be imperfect. Authenticity is about imperfection. And authenticity is a very human quality. To be authentic is to be at peace with your imperfections.  Great leaders are not the strongest; they are the ones who are honest about their weaknesses. Great leaders are not the smartest; they are the ones who admit how much they don't know. Great leaders can't do everything; they are the ones who look to others to help them. Great leaders don't see themselves as great; they see themselves as human. Great leaders don't try to be perfect, they try to be themselves ... and that's what makes them great.” 

Simon Sinek