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CEOs Feel the Heat to Be Authentic

Nov. 4, 2014
The number one myth about authenticity is that you are either authentic or not. The average person tells 2-5 lies per day in order to make themselves look good, says business consultant.

CEOs are wondering how much authenticity is too much or too little, according to Karissa Thacker, a consultant who specializes inexecutive behavior.

"Leaders who lie to their teams are lying to themselves," said Thacker. "When I consult with senior level corporate leaders, I ask them to ferociously seek the truth about themselves and their business situations." 

Thacker, whose clients include over 200 of the Fortune 500, says authenticity is not black and white. It is a process that leaders must work on to improve themselves and their companies.

"The number one myth about authenticity is that you are either authentic or not. The average person tells 2-5 lies per day in order to make themselves look good. Authenticity is not a yes or no thing like being pregnant.

"Leaders should ask themselves how can I be 5% more authentic today? Then they should write what comes out of their brain. From the list choose two reasonable actions and execute. This technique has revolutionized the ways in which many of my clients act and interact."

Here are some tips she offers executives.

  • Ferociously seek the truth about yourself and your business situation.
  • Ask what is really going on. Listen to the answers. Don't shoot the messengers. Then do it again. 
  • Know your selves. Make a list of every aspect of yourself that you can think of.
  • Expect contradictions. For example, your list could include: father, executive, student, collaborator, procrastinator, dry sense of humor, humble roots, football fan, gay man, provocateur, husband, divorced, daughter of a creative genius, wine connoisseur, charmer or introvert. If you get stuck, ask your family for descriptors. "Ask yourself what aspects of yourself are relevant to this business challenge with this group of people?

"Begin to make the relevant aspects an overt part of your executive brand," she said. "It is impossible and inappropriate for any team to know the total you."

About the Author

Adrienne Selko | Senior Editor - MH&L, IW, & EHS Today

Adrienne Selko has written about many topics over the 17 years she has been with Endeavor Business Media and currently focuses on workforce development strategies. Previously Adrienne was in corporate communications at a medical manufacturing company as well as a large regional bank.

She is the author of Do I Have to Wear Garlic Around My Neck? which made the Cleveland Plain Dealer's best sellers list. She is a senior editor at Material Handling & Logistics, EHS Today, and IndustryWeek. 

Editorial Mission Statement:

Manufacturing is the enviable position of creating products, processes, and policies that solve the world’s problems. When the industry stepped up to manufacture what was necessary to combat the pandemic, it revealed its true nature. My goal is to showcase the sector’s ability to address a broad range of workforce issues including technology, training, diversity & inclusion, with a goal of enticing future generations to join this amazing sector.

Why I Find Manufacturing Interesting: 

On my first day working for a company that made medical equipment such as MRIs, I toured the plant floor. On every wall was a photo of a person, mostly children. I asked my supervisor why this was the case and he said that the work we do at this company has saved these people’s lives. “We never forget how important our work is and everyone’s contribution to that.” From that moment on I was hooked on manufacturing.

I have talked with many people in this field who have transformed their own career development to assist others. For example, companies are hiring those with disabilities, those previously incarcerated, and other talent pools that have been underutilized. I have talked with leaders who have brought out the best in their workforce, as well as employees doing their best work while doing good for the world.