Celebrating Authenticity: How The Human Library is Making Leaders More Authentic
Authentic Leadership requires a lot of introspection and self-reflection. Becoming aware of your intentions, your purpose, and your motivations is key if you want to lead authentically. But authenticity is nothing if not followed by action. Your thoughts and words end up being inauthentic if not backed by actions that are in line with your intentions.
In this newsletter, we shine a spotlight on individuals and organizations championing authenticity through meaningful actions.
The Human Library: Breaking Stereotypes, One 'Book' at a Time 📚
You might be familiar with The Human Library—or perhaps not. The Human Library is a not-for-profit organization founded in Copenhagen, Denmark, in 2000. It uses real people as "books" available for "borrowing" by readers eager to learn more about their lives, perspectives, and challenges. These human books, volunteers, have personal experiences with topics often subjected to stigmas or stereotypes, be it homelessness, disability, religion, sexuality, ethnicity, and so forth. The readers are individuals curious and ready to listen, engaging in dialogues free from judgment or prejudice.
Basically, you get a conversation with someone likely very different from you, and a chance to pose questions you always wanted to. It is a great way to foster understanding and dismantle stigmas and stereotypes. And The Human Library is making an impact. They have hosted events in more than 80 countries across six continents, reaching thousands of readers and challenging their assumptions and biases.
Why Big Corporations Like Microsoft and IKEA Are 'Reading' People🏢
“Great, sounds like something I might do in my spare time, but how does this relate to my business and me being a leader?” you ask. Well, The Human Library conducts corporate events also, and wait till you hear their client list. It includes companies such as Microsoft, IKEA, Heineken, and the IMF (International Monetary Fund). Now, this is where it becomes relevant for you. What does an IKEA leader get from spending time talking with a homeless person, and what does a Microsoft leader get from having a conversation with a transsexual or a woman wearing a hijab?
While I haven't worked at these companies, I can venture some educated guesses. Obviously, this isn't about understanding target markets in a focus-group style. Homeless people have little need for IKEA products. No, it is about something completely different. It is about what the Human Library is all about: understanding other people. IKEA, Microsoft, Heineken, and the IMF know that if their employees cultivate their empathy and their ability to understand others, then they become more authentic leaders. They understand the need for authentic leaders in their company, and The Human Library is the perfect fit for the job.
Celebrate Authenticity in Action: Why This Matters for Leaders 👏
Think about that in your own quest of becoming a more authentic leader. Maybe you should invite The Human Library to your company or maybe just go see them at their next public event? You can find out more here www.thehumanlibrary.org. Actively exercising your empathy muscle is putting action behind your intention of becoming more authentic.
Putting action behind your intentions is living the art of being authentic. So let us celebrate the brave volunteers - the human books - that show up authentically to share their stigmatized and stereotyped stories with people they do not know. Let us celebrate The Human Library, for turning a great idea into a global phenomenon. And last but not least, let us celebrate the forward-thinking companies that recognize the value in having their employees attend these events, so their leaders and organizations become more authentic.
Tangible Tip - Celebrate to Promote 💡
Celebrating authenticity promotes it. Next time you see someone setting aside their ego and showing vulnerability for the greater good of a situation, then stop to recognize and celebrate this act and the person behind it.
