Can you stop the leaks?

 …or is there a better answer?

Authenticity—being real—is the key to powerful connection with others.

As human beings, we are highly adept at sensing lack of authenticity. And yet, it’s surprising how many individuals and organizations behave as if they will get away with insincerity and even untruths, provided they are not explicitly found out. They don’t seem to realize we sense the lack of authenticity a mile off.

We all unconsciously sense inconsistent verbal and non-verbal messages, and it’s a skill we can heighten with conscious practice. Then not much at all will get by because a body speaks the truth. The non-verbal “leaks” give the game away.

We might imagine we can stop the leaks and fake authenticity. Well, having been around some masters of awareness, I’d say it’s best to assume we can’t.

So choose to be real and congruent. Then everything we communicate is consistent. And we stay connected.

It’s tempting sometimes to choose the little untruths.

Authenticity is really the only safe course.