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I’ve been fascinated in my consulting experience
observing the power of authenticity. There are a lot
of very slick people who are in fact successful in
our dynamic market, but I believe there is an
increasing demand for anti-slick authenticity. I’ll
admit that when I asked you to answer questions
recently, I did have a premise I was trying to test
- that authenticity, integrity, and ethics mattered
more to people in their work lives than the
conventional Machiavellian-wisdom of our society
would suggest. I do truly believe the look in
people’s eyes matters a whole lot to a lot of
people.
The questions again (and thanks to the 125+ who
responded): (1) Think of the person or people you
like best in your work life. Why do you like them?
(2) What do you not like about your work life? (3)
Describe the ideal work environment. A key thing to
note: answers were limited to 10 words each, so
people had to focus, and hopefully their most
prominent thoughts came through. Also, while the
sample was admittedly not representative of the
population, it is a relatively credible reflection
of our work-oriented relationships. It’s not totally
scientific, but it’s still pretty cool. Some of the
key results:
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People love to be challenged and to have the
ability to grow - 55% identify growth and
challenge as part of the ideal work environment.
Interesting…they don’t complain about their pay
– only an amazing 2% mentioned it as an item
they “don’t like about my work life”.
-
However, while people did not complain about
their pay, “feelings issues” mattered a lot. 64%
complain about things that hurt them personally
– Personal-life sacrifices, conflicts of values,
bureaucracy wasting their time. Interesting…far
fewer complained about not liking things they
have to do – only 26%.
-
Also, people love to enjoy themselves at work.
55% include fun and cooperation in “what we like
about others”. Interesting…even more – 60% –
identified fun and cooperation as elements of
the ideal work environment.
-
Integrity, ethics, and trust were included by
52% as part of “what we like about others”.
Interesting…this was more than the 48% who
included intelligence, work ethic, and results
as reasons why they like others.
While challenge and growth are extremely important
to most of us, we clearly desire a fulfilling,
enjoyable, and high-integrity work life. Success
doesn’t seem to be enough. I believe the answers
also indicate that integrity, ethics, and trust -
the keys to authenticity – are more part of our
person-to-person relationships than our connections
with companies, environments, or jobs. In fact, more
than twice as many people mentioned integrity in
people they like (52%) than included it in their
description of the ideal work environment (22%).
I have observed the power of authenticity and
openness that exists in some companies while not at
others, as well as the significant positive
differences in company effectiveness and individual
fulfillment that result. This power has been clearly
demonstrated also in our own firm’s experience with
the coaching of Vance Caesar. The potential for our
firm’s success and the personal fulfillment of our
people appears to be more authentic and real with
each passing day.
If you’re worried that this focus on authenticity
doesn’t reflect the attitudes of some people you
could do business with, you’re probably right.
However, ask yourself if you are someone for whom
authenticity really matters…and then ask yourself if
you want to, or really need to do business with
inauthentic, unethical, or low-integrity people.
Jeff is a Principal Consultant in the McDermott &
Bull Irvine office and can be reached at
949-753-1700 ext. 310, or
Black@mbsearch.net. |
