Sincerity and authenticity: are these concepts totally interchangeable? Are we talking about two similar or complementary terms? Do they have the same moral value? Sincerity and authenticity are increasingly coming back in managerial vocabulary today.

The degree of importance given to them varies greatly from one individual to another, depending on their education, culture or way of interacting with others. Here is a brief overview of their meaning, their use in our everyday language and their impact on our relationships.

Sincerity or the duty of candour

Since our early childhood, we have been told to " tell the truth, nothing but the truth "! A great principle to observe so that society considers us honest and respectable. How many times have we read, heard the importance of daring to " say things "?

But for all that, is the frankness that we expect from our parents or friends when we get lost in tortuous paths or to allow us to progress in our interpersonal skills also accepted in a professional capacity? Is saying what you think always part of a constructive approach?

Not sure that your colleague is ready to hear all the remarks you have about him! Because if sincerity is important to build authentic relationships, it is no less difficult to hear. And we sometimes take the risk of offending or even hurting the other person, especially when this frankness can be discriminatory.

There is often a world of difference between our intention to do the right thing by telling him or her information that we consider necessary for his or her progress and the impact that this information will have. And we could also say that omitting or hiding the truth can be positive if it is a question of protecting others from news that he or she would not be ready to accept...

The whole nuance lies in the way of being sincere : if we situate information on the irrational terrain of emotions, there is little chance that it will be well received even with a benevolent posture. On the other hand, if one supports one's remarks with factual data by showing the impact that the behavior of one's interlocutor has had on a group dynamic, on a business line or other, in a constructive approach, the effect will not be the same because distancing will offer the necessary distance to apprehend a given situation. Thus, sincerity can be a good thing, but it must be ensured that it does not go against ethical values.

Authenticity or the choice of the truth.

And what about authenticity? Is it different from sincerity? Not necessarily! Let's say that authenticity goes beyond sincerity. Where the latter consists of " saying what one thinks ", authenticity is defined as " being what one is " and "  presenting oneself to others as such ", if we return to its Greek etymology " authentikós ", literally meaning " who determines himself by his own authority ".

Authenticity is first and foremost played out in the self-to oneself, while sincerity is focused on the other. And this sincerity remains very subjective, since saying what one thinks or telling the truth does not necessarily mean stating a universal truth. Authenticity flirts more with the notion of truth... or rather a truth specific to each person.

To be authentic is to find the right alignment between one's own identity, one's values, one's actions and what one wishes to strive towards in order to " exist in full harmony with oneself ". So, when we choose authenticity, we trade denial for lucidity towards ourselves and others!

Authenticity and integrity

Thus, authenticity can be compared to the notion of integrity, even if it goes beyond it, since integrity, which " consists in leading an existence that conforms to one's own principles ", is more assimilated to an ethics of virtue.

While integrity requires those who wish to be considered " honest " not to deviate from their own ethical principles, authenticity is rather about following one's own principles and aspirations, and taking them into account in one's relationships with others. Authenticity can therefore be said to be a dedication to " personal " principles, aspirations and values, whereas integrity is loyalty to more universal principles and values. In a society that increasingly advocates individual well-being, it would seem that authenticity has a bright future ahead of it!

Sincerity and authenticity: should we choose ?

Considered as a sought-after and valued soft skill, " authenticity depends closely on an individual's perception of his or her responsibilities – namely the exercise of freedom within a given framework – and on his or her ability to show congruence with it." (1) 

A leader is therefore expected today to be authentic, and to fully embody what he says and does. And this can be complementary to a sincere posture as long as it takes into account the other in an ethical approach.

One accompanied by the other will be able to create the conditions conducive to well-being at work, allowing " individuals to act in accordance with themselves and to be able to express themselves freely "1.

(1) " 7 superpowers to develop cooperation ", Julien Ohana & Charlotte Ringrave, Éditions Fil Rouge, 2021.