Over the past several weeks the topic of “authenticity” has been showing up more and more in our work. In requests for content, within our Business simulations, and in Business Leadership workshops more leaders are asking for help in developing the skill of authenticity. During this past weekend, I had the opportunity to start scripting a new business leadership simulation on coaching and the client has requested that we use Authenticity as one of the scoring mechanisms. Several of the other scoring metrics include Empathy, Accountability, and Developing Others.

I will transparently share that at first, I was uncomfortable with these metrics, especially Authenticity. I know you can assess authenticity, but is it possible to teach it? Aren’t you as a human being either authentic or not? How do you train for it, especially in a business environment?

So, I did some research including conducting 15-minute interviews with three Fortune 1000 executives I trust and who I think are very authentic in their approach to business leadership. They were excellent conversations and provided three interesting insights into the answer to my question.