“Heroes are never perfect, but they’re brave, they’re authentic, they’re courageous, determined, discreet, and they’ve got grit.” -Wade Davis
Quantum physics is freakishly difficult to understand. The particles that make up an atom don’t behave based on the set of Newton’s Laws we all learned in high school. Simply observing a subatomic particle can change its behavior. There’s a famous quantum-mechanics trial known as the double-slit experiment. Electrons are shot at a barrier containing two slits. One would expect that on the other side of the barrier, the electrons would form a single type of pattern. In the world of quantum mechanics, there can be two distinct patterns formed by the electrons depending on if the experiment is observed or not observed. As hocus pocus as it sounds, on a quantum level matter changes behavior based solely on observation or the lack thereof.
People act in much the same way as electrons. Our behavior patterns are different when we know someone has their eye on us. When guests are coming over, we clean an already spotless house. When the boss is around, we modify our behavior to become what we think our superior wants, or we shellac whatever they’re checking on. Everyone wants to put their best foot forward. When we put on a face for others that differs from our day-to-day self, a problem arises. As a leader, our team members see this well-intentioned, but ultimately duplicitous behavior and feel that it is appropriate to mimic it—with others and with you.
Be yourself, warts and all. You’ve heard it all your life, but that doesn’t give you permission to not work on your warts. The more authentic you are with yourself and others, the more genuine they will be with you. As a side note… keep an eye on quantum-mechanics-related technology. Like the prediction of plastics in The Graduate, it is the future.
Authenticity Matters: Accelerators
- In what areas of your life, business, or organizationto you tend to whitewash reality?
- What would be the consequences of being authenticin those areas? What are you afraid of?
- How can you make the necessary changes in thoseareas so that you can be authentic, without fear?
Dr. Jeff D. Standridge is the best-selling author of “The Innovator’s Field Guide” and “The Top Performer’s Field Guide.” He serves as Managing Director for the Conductor and Innovation Junkie, and teaches in the College of Business at the University of Central Arkansas. Jeff helps organizations and their leaders generate sustained results in the areas of innovation, strategy, profit growth, organizational effectiveness and leadership. Learn more at InnovationJunkie.com.