Authenticity vs. Spin in Crisis Situations

By Anthony Garcia - Jan 04 , 2011

It is easy to talk about being authentic; harder to act authentic.  Managing crisis is a perfect opportunity to test how authentic someone is.

Here are a few things to consider about authenticity next time you are in crisis.

Taking full responsibility for decisions made – If you find yourself blaming someone else or hiding behind a technicality, you are being a poser.  Accept your role, take corrective action, lay out the full story if needed, and move on.

Telling the whole truth in spite of being judged – Don’t even give the hint that you are hiding something.  Put it all out there.

Trying to be something that you are not – If you are more worried about your image than you are about being a real person, stop.  You are not being authentic.

Imitating others’ behavior – I’ve said it before, it is ok to borrow and modify ideas, but there is only one Steve Jobs, Tony Robbins, (insert random hero here). The more you try to imitate them, the less you are being you.

Compromising your own values for short term gain -  Please do not do this. Do not lie, cheat, or steal.  You are better than that.

Bottom line: have fun, let go, be yourself, warts and all.  Your audience will see it and be endeared.

Authenticity is the cement that holds together any meaningful platform.