be real...

Nobody likes a faker.

Nobody likes a hypocrite.

This, I’m sure of.

How many of us truly respect and willfully follow the one who says “Do as I say, not as I do.”??

We’ve heard all the lessons, all the clichés, and all the supporting evidence.

We know about leading from the front.

We know about servant leadership.

We know that followers respect leaders who respect them.

We know that people will not only follow someone who they respect, but they’ll also obey and honor them as well.

Of course this is true in all areas of life:

at home & at work,

in the office & in the field,

with pastors & parishioners,

with bosses & coworkers,

with parents & children,

with partners, with family, everyone, everywhere…

Anywhere you might find some levels of authority you’ll find a proportional amount of authenticity that can either breakdown or build-up the respective relationship.

Additionally you’ll see the consequent level of effectiveness and efficiency.

Being authentic, real, genuine,

being true to your beliefs and to yourself is the foundation of good character.

Your character establishes and informs others of what you believe to be true.

It’s that perceived truth, in light of your character, that causes you to gain or lose respect.

Through respect comes trust.

Through trust comes influence.

And it’s that influence, which may begin as the real, genuine, true, and authentic you, that empowers some level of authority over something or someone.

Are you being real?

Are you being authentic in what you say you believe?

Are you genuine about who you are or just putting on a show and hoping for the best?

Quit faking it!

Consider This: Your level of Authority is directly proportional to your level of Authenticity.