Authenticity & Strategy
Like a tree planted next to streams of water, producing its fruit in its season, never dropping a leaf, and always in bloom…
This powerful imagery underscores the importance of authenticity in achieving growth and productivity. I like to think of our organizations in this way. Authenticity, a concept not often discussed within our workplace, is essential for organizational alignment, strategy execution, team cohesion, and much more.
Authenticity in the context of organizational strategy must exist as the ethos to which all efforts are aligned.
Business consultant and author Jim Collins, in his book Good to Great and the Social Sectors, posits that the critical question for becoming a great organization is “How effectively do we deliver on our mission and make a distinctive impact relative to our resources?”. Answering this question affirmatively is infeasible if authenticity has not served as the guiding principle for decision-making, planning, and activity.
When initiating a project, my primary inquiry is, “What do you want?”. This question, which I might pose in various forms such as “What are you aiming for?” or “What is your ideal outcome?”, seeks to unearth the long-term vision of the organization, the true desires of its leadership, and the opportunities to bridge the gap between current realities and future aspirations. Every pebble that hits a lake creates a ripple; similarly, every consideration and decision thereafter should inch us closer to that envisioned future.
However, being an authentic organization comes with its set of challenges. It necessitates saying ‘no’ to opportunities that do not align with our values or stray from activities that hinder our ability to produce “our fruit”. This discipline, though difficult, is vital. The frenzy to build revenue and create opportunities can often lead us astray, but there is nothing more critical than ensuring that ‘yes’ is reserved only for those initiatives that truly keep an organization aligned with its intentions.
Authenticity must also serve as a benchmark for all our decisions and initiatives. While some may argue that authenticity cannot be quantified, I contend that if an organization’s mission is clearly defined, overlaying it with any initiative to validate alignment should be straightforward.
In conclusion, let the imagery of the tree inspire us to deepen our understanding of our collective purpose, nurture our collaborative talents, and contribute our unique value to the wider community. As we navigate our future, this vision not only enables us to realize our organizational potential but also encourages each member within to embark on their individual journeys of growth and discovery. Significant accomplishments stem from sustained efforts and a dedication to growth over time, much like the tree that blooms and bears fruit in its season, a testament to the power of authenticity and strategic action.
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