Thursday, September 20, 2007

THERE IS POWER IN AUTHENTICITY

I stood in a crowd of business leaders and watched as the power people performed the ageless ballet of introductions, attempts to impress, probes to learn who the other person really is, and questions to meter each other’s power.

Ice tinkling, liquor sloshing in the expensive crystal.

Exaggerated politeness.

Quick glances around the room to see if anyone is observing their finesse—whom they should maneuver closer to for that all-important introduction and chance to impress.

They check and recheck their mental list of acceptable behavior and strategy to impact others with their charisma and impress.

The words are predictable and memorized like the opening moves of chess.

Status is measured by how well you perform the script.

And since everyone knows it is a flash-and-dazzle game they all leave wondering what the ones they met are really like.

I have to believe that a clear gaze, a firm handshake and confidence in God’s ability to use the skills He has given you leave a stronger, more favorable lasting impression.

There is power in authenticity.

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