My PhD Thesis was an investigation into the sources of conflict in the Middle East and how they might be resolved. As you can see from the daily headlines, my impact was unnoticeable!

Many of us view the current unfolding violence of the world with horror and alarm. We hear the exhortations of politicians everywhere urging moderation based on religious themes. But it seems the theory and practice – the words and deeds – do not always come together. A sort of “do as I say, not as I do” paradox results.

In the Gospel of Mathew, Jesus says:

“You have heard that it was said,’An Eye for an Eye, and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.” (Matthew 5:38-42, NIV)

and in the Sermon on the Plain, in the Gospel of Luke we read:

“But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you,”

“Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you. And unto him that smiteth thee on the one cheek offer also the other; and him that taketh away thy cloke forbid not to take thy coat also. Give to every man that asketh of thee; and of him that taketh away thy goods ask them not again. And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise.” (Luke 6:28-31. King James Version)

Telling someone else to live that way is, of course, easier than doing it ourselves first and modeling it for others.

Increasingly in my work with leaders, I am realizing that inauthentic behavior – saying one thing, but doing another – is one of the greatest causes of pain, betrayal and failure. We yearn for authenticity in our marriages, with our children and from our institutional, political and corporate leaders.

I asked an expert in the financial markets the other day to name an industry that was fully authentic, one that did not trick customers, or use misleading advertising, or pay lawyers to advance their aims at the expense of others – and he couldn’t name one. Of course, he could name shining examples of authenticity in every field, and these we gratefully take as our beacons. But the Starbucks, Patagonia’s, Body Shops and Southwest Airlines are the exception rather than an industry norm. Yet these are the icons that inspire us.

We are authentic – and therefore inspiring – as leaders, when our minds, mouths, hearts and feet all practice the same thing. That’s when we become inspired and are inspiring to others. The inauthentic frightens and saddens us.

And the authentic inspires us and guides us all to greatness.