Genuine Person | How Authenticity Builds Lasting Trust

A genuine person truly stands out in a world where we're constantly bombarded with curated social media personas and polished professional images. Authenticity is a powerful and sought after approach to life that builds deeper connections, enhances your career prospects, and improves your mental wellbeing.

But what does it really mean to be a genuine person? And how can you develop authentic habits that align with your true character? This post will help you understand the power of authenticity and provide practical steps to become more genuine in all areas of your life.

What Makes Someone a Genuine Person?

At its core, being a genuine person means presenting your real self without pretense or manipulation. It's about achieving self-congruence. This is a term used in psychology that defines when the characteristics of your ideal self match your actual characteristics.

Genuine people do not pretend to be something they’re not, to please others or to fit into expected roles. Instead, they choose honesty and transparency, even when it feels uncomfortable or risky.

Quick Questions for Personal Reflection

Take a moment to reflect on these questions:

• When was the last time you expressed an opinion that differed from your friends or colleagues?
• How often do you make decisions based on what others expect versus what aligns with your values?
• Do you feel comfortable acknowledging your mistakes publicly?
  Can you name your top personal values without hesitation?

Your answers provide insight into your current authenticity level. Don't worry if you notice room for improvement. Being authentic is a lifelong practice, not a destination.

Difference Between Authenticity vs. Image

Many people confuse having a strong image with being authentic. The distinction is important to understand.

Authenticity	Curated Image
Being true to your values and principles	Crafting a persona designed to impress
Showing both strengths and vulnerabilities	Highlighting only positive attributes
Consistent across different contexts	Changes based on what others want to see
Builds lasting trust	May create initial good impressions that fade

A genuine person doesn't fake confidence or show only their best side, but they do realize their strengths. They also embrace their vulnerabilities and tend to be more open about their limitations and potential areas of growth. This honesty invites others to trust them because it feels real and relatable.

Genuine Character Trait Spotlight

Authenticity connects deeply with several positive character traits that form the foundation of a genuine personality.

We looked at a subset of True Mydentity’s free questionnaire data for 461 people who ranked 80% or higher in dominance for the genuine positive character trait. This subset of individuals also shared high dominance ranks (80 or higher) for the following four positive character traits.

• Genuine - 461 individuals
• Honest - 382 individuals
• Respectful - 346 individuals
• Reliable - 317 individuals
• Admiring - 301 individuals

Based on True Mydentity’s data these are the top five most common and most dominant out of the 58 positive character traits associated with someone who has a genuine character.

Be sure to take the free True Mydentity questionnaire if you wish to find out more about your own positive characteristics, how dominant your genuine character trait ranks, and how it compares to your other 57 traits.

Why Authenticity Wins - The Benefits of Being Genuine

Building Trust Through Genuine Personality

Trust is the most valuable currency in human interactions. A genuine person builds trust rapidly because their words and actions appear to align.

Research shows:

In an exploratory study published in Leadership & Organization Development Journal, December 2006; the first application of the Authentic Leadership Model provides insight to the entrepreneur/leader behavior and employee attitudes. Participants were employees at newer, smaller businesses that were founded by a single owner who was still active in the daily operations.

The Avolio and Luthans (2006) authentic leadership conceptual model was adapted for the study:

Findings: Employees' perception of authentic leadership serves as the strongest single predictor of employee:

• Job satisfaction
• Organizational commitment
• Work happiness

Download the study at Research Gate

In your career, authenticity creates several advantages:

• Reliability - When people know what to expect from you, they invest more in the relationship
• Reputation - Authenticity breeds respect and credibility, attracting more opportunities
• Long-term benefits - Authentic connections are less likely to dissolve over misunderstandings

For those early in their careers, being genuine helps you stand out in job interviews and build meaningful professional relationships.

For mid-career professionals, authenticity can guide important, pivotal decisions and leadership approaches that align with your evolved values.

Benefits of Being a Genuine Person

Living authentically supports your mental wellbeing in powerful ways:

Reduces the stress of pretending and trying to maintain a facade 
Reduces the weight of holding yourself back and hiding your true self
Improves self-esteem and confidence through self-acceptance and integrity
Decreases anxiety because decisions stem from a good understanding of your personal values

Vulnerability Benefits in Personal and Professional Life

Specific advantages of being vulnerable:

• Creates deeper connections through shared human experience
• Builds empathy and compassion
• Encourages innovation through openness to failure and learning
• Fosters psychological safety in teams and relationships

Brene Brown, a leading researcher and voice on vulnerability, offers data-driven insights and her findings on the power of vulnerability in her Ted Talk.

Building Genuine Habits - A Path to Authenticity

Developing your authenticity requires practice. There is no way around it, so here are a few ways to effectively and responsibly get to know yourself better and improve upon being genuine.

Value Clarification - Know What Matters Most

Authenticity begins with defining your personal core values. Without this clarity, it's easy to fall into reactive behaviors or socially skewed performances.

Try this exercise:

• Set aside 30 minutes of uninterrupted time
• List everything that's important to you - No filters. No judging. Be honest.
• Group similar items together
• Identify your top 3-5 core values that consistently guide your best decisions, based on the 65 personal values outlined by True Mydentity
• For each value you select, write why it matters to you personally

For example, if "creativity" emerges as a core value, understanding why it matters helps you recognize situations where compromising creative expression would feel inauthentic.

• Early in Your Career - Clarifying your core values helps you make career choices that align with your authentic self rather than following expected paths that might look good but feel wrong.
• Mid-Career - Reviewing and/or even redefining your core values mid-life can potentially help to explain any growing dissatisfaction, and guide you toward realignment decisions in your career, relationships, and personal pursuits.

The Practice of Transparent Living - Radical Honesty

Radical Honesty is a term popularized by psychotherapist Brad Blanton in his 1996 book Radical Honesty, that encourages the practice of complete and unfiltered truth-telling. He advocates for this approach as a means of reducing stress, deepening interpersonal connections, and fostering authenticity. For example:

• Speak truthfully while maintaining respect for others
• Share authentic opinions rather than socially acceptable but insincere answers
• Admit mistakes openly and take responsibility

This doesn't mean being brutally blunt and insensitive. Authentic radical honesty balances truth with empathy and appropriate timing.

In order for truth telling to be valuable between people, not only does it need to be expressed honestly and respectfully, but it needs to be received honestly and respectfully by someone who has preferably been prepared to hear it.

Attempt to respectfully prepare someone for what you are about to share with them. Put yourself in their shoes. Be vulnerable and sincere.

Example scenario: Instead of saying "Your presentation was great" when you noticed significant problems, a genuine person might say: "I appreciated your enthusiasm. I had some thoughts about the data section that might strengthen your argument. Would you be open to discussing them?"

7-Day Authenticity Challenge

Want to build your authenticity muscles? Try this week-long practice:

• Day 1: Identify one situation where you typically wear a "social mask"
• Day 2: Practice expressing one authentic opinion or feeling
• Day 3: Reflect on your core values and how they show up in your daily choices
• Day 4: Have a difficult but necessary conversation you've been avoiding
• Day 5: Practice saying "I don't know" or "I made a mistake" when appropriate
• Day 6: Make one decision purely based on your values rather than others' expectations
• Day 7: Reflect on changes you noticed in your interactions and feelings

Overcoming Authenticity Obstacles

Being genuine isn't always easy. But, always remember that authentic connections with people, even if fewer, are more fulfilling than numerous superficial relationships.

Here are a few common challenges and we provide multiple examples of how to address them in certain social situations, that will help you practice being genuine and move you closer to your authentic self.

Fear of Rejection

The Challenge - Fearful that people will not accept the true you.

The Solution - Start with low-risk situations to build confidence. Here are some examples:

• Commenting Honestly in a Group Chat - Instead of sending a safe emoji or vague response, try sharing a sincere opinion or reaction with friends or coworkers in a group text or chat.
• Expressing a Mild Preference - Practice stating a small, non-controversial preference. For example, try saying you’d rather eat at one restaurant over another, or try admitting you don’t enjoy a popular TV show, and explain why so a person better understands.
• Being Honest About Your Weekend Plans - When someone casually asks what you did or what you’re up to, be truthful about your experience or your plans; even if your answer feels less exciting than what you think others want to hear.
• Wearing Something That Reflects Your Style - Choose an accessory, color, or outfit that genuinely feels like “you”. It's a small but powerful way to express yourself authentically.
• Sharing a Personal Win or Struggle in a Safe Space - Mention a small success you're proud of or a minor challenge you're working through with a close friend, support group, or trusted colleague.
• Saying “No, thank you.” to Something You Don’t Want to Do - Declining a casual invitation or request can be a healthy, confidence-boosting way to honor your boundaries; especially when the stakes are low.
• Asking a Genuine Question in a Meeting or Class - If you don’t understand something or want clarification, ask. More than likely you’re not alone. Speaking up authentically, even when it feels a little vulnerable, can build trust with others and yourself.

Professional Expectations

The Challenge - Some workplace cultures seem to demand conformity rather than authenticity.

The Solution - Look for ways to bring your authentic strengths to work challenges. Focus first on authenticity in how you approach problems rather than dramatic personal disclosures. Here are some examples:

• Lead with Your Natural Strengths - If you’re naturally a problem-solver, listener, encourager, or creative thinker, try to lean into that. For example, offer a fresh solution during a team brainstorming session, or volunteer to mediate when tensions arise.
• Communicate in Your Authentic Style - Instead of mimicking how others communicate, speak or write in a way that reflects your true voice while still being professional.
• Align Projects with Personal Values - If you're driven by fairness, collaboration, or innovation, look for ways to bring that value into the task at hand. For example, if you value inclusivity, you might suggest ways to make a team process more accessible or equitable.
• Respond to Feedback with Self-Awareness - Being genuine includes acknowledging where you're still learning. When you receive criticism or feedback, respond from a place of curiosity and growth rather than defensiveness.
• Offer Help Where You Truly Excel - Step up in situations that align with your core strengths. This could include mentoring a colleague, simplifying a chaotic process, or lifting team morale when things get tough.
• Set Boundaries with Integrity - Instead of overextending yourself to appear agreeable, set healthy boundaries respectfully. This builds long-term credibility and fosters mutual respect.
• Stay Grounded During Stressful Times - When challenges arise, authenticity can mean staying true to how you best handle stress. For example, calmly analyzing the situation, rallying the team with positivity, or quietly focusing on solutions.

Habit and Momentum

The Challenge - Years of playing expected roles can make authenticity feel foreign.

The Solution - If you want to build a habit of being more genuine and continue growth toward your authentic self, start with small authentic moments daily. Here is a list of examples. Notice how they feel, and gradually expand your comfort zone.

• Choose an Honest Response Instead of a Polite Default - When someone asks, “How are you?” try answering with something real about your current state. For example, say, “I’m tired, but hanging in there,” instead of “I’m good!”
• Give a Sincere Compliment - Tell someone what you genuinely admire about them. Some examples include, a colleague’s calm under pressure, a friend’s sense of humor, or a stranger’s style. Genuine praise toward others can build connections and self-trust.
• Acknowledge Your Emotions Without Judgment - Pause once a day to ask, “How do I really feel right now?” and let the answer be whatever it is. Do not try to fix or justify it.
• Make a Choice That Reflects Your Values - Even small choices count. Say no to a plan that drains you, choose to eat lunch outside if you need space, or take a break when you’re overwhelmed instead of pushing through.
• Speak Up Just a Little More Honestly - If you’re in a meeting or conversation, add a small piece of your truth, such as a thought, a concern, or a new idea. You don’t have to take over, just contribute your voice.
• Wear or Display Things That Reflect Who You Are - A favorite bracelet, desk quote, journal, or screensaver. Build small signals around you to remind you (and others) of your unique identity. Check out True Mydentity’s shop for something new, or gift ideas.
• Practice Saying “No” Kindly but Clearly - Politely declining something you truly do not want or can’t handle, without over-explaining, is a powerful way to act authentically and a great way to maintain your personal wellbeing.
• Reconnect With Something That Makes You Feel Like You - Listen to music that moves you, read something that inspires you, or revisit a hobby you’ve let slip. A few minutes of reconnection can reset your sense of self.

Authenticity in Relationships | Create Deeper Connections

Whether it’s romance, friendship, or work, the quality of your relationships is deeply shaped by how authentically you show up. When you let go of performance and lean into your true self, you create space for real connection, deeper trust, and mutual respect. Here's how being genuine can positively transform the relationships that matter most.

It’s worth noting the benefits mentioned for each type of relationship below may likely carry into other types of relationships, but in different ways.

How Being Genuine Helps Romantic Relationships

• Attract partners who appreciate your true self
• Build trust through consistent behavior
• Address issues before they become relationship-threatening
• Create emotional intimacy through vulnerability

How Being Genuine Helps Friendships

• Mutual acceptance of strengths and flaws
• Honest feedback delivered with care
• Support for each other's authentic growth
• Comfort in both silence and deep conversation

How Being Genuine Helps Professional Relationships

• Psychological safety for innovation
• Clear communication that prevents misunderstandings
• Trust that accelerates collaboration
• Reputation for reliability and integrity

Are You Becoming a More Genuine Person?

How do you know if you're becoming more genuine? Look for signs such as these:

• Decreased anxiety about what others think
• More energy at the end of social interactions
• Growing comfort with setting boundaries
• Increased alignment between your words and actions
• Deeper connections with fewer misunderstandings
• More consistent mood across different social contexts

FAQs About Being a Genuine Person

How do I know if I am a genuine person?

You likely embody genuineness if your actions consistently match your beliefs, you're comfortable showing vulnerability, and you prioritize honesty over approval. Self-reflection and feedback from trusted friends can help, and you can take the free True Mydentity character trait questionnaire to find out how being genuine ranks in dominance over your other 57 positive characteristics.

What if being honest hurts others?

Authenticity doesn't mean being harsh or insensitive. Balance honesty with respect for others, kindness and timing. Aim to express your truth with empathy and openness to have a dialogue. Ask yourself: "Is this necessary, helpful, and delivered with care?"

Can authenticity be learned?

Absolutely. It starts with deep self-awareness and the courage to let go of social masks. By clarifying values and practicing honesty in progressive steps, anyone can cultivate a more genuine personality over time.

How does being genuine help in my career?

Employers and colleagues trust, respect, and prefer working with genuine people. Authentic professionals foster collaboration, handle feedback constructively, and build reputations that open doors for advancement. While inauthenticity might create short-term advantages, authenticity wins in the long run.

What if people don't like the real me?

Being genuine means accepting that not everyone will resonate with you, and that's okay. Aligning with people who appreciate the true you leads to more fulfilling and supportive relationships. Remember that trying to please everyone, will likely lead you to pleasing no one, including yourself.

In Summary

Choosing to live authentically is a bold and powerful act. This post has explored what it truly means to be a genuine person. To be someone who leads with honesty, aligns actions with values, and embraces both strengths and imperfections. Through real-world examples, research-backed benefits, and actionable steps like the 7-Day Authenticity Challenge, you now have some tools to help you practice and cultivate authenticity across your personal and professional life.

Authenticity builds trust, reduces stress, strengthens your sense of identity, and opens the door to more meaningful, resilient connections. The path to becoming more genuine isn’t about being perfect, it’s about being real.

Keep practicing, stay curious, and remember your most valuable contribution to the world is your true self; because there is no one else exactly like you on the planet.

Gain Awareness - Take Free Character Trait Assessment

Take True Mydentity’s free character trait questionnaire to discover how dominant your 58 positive character traits are and which are the most dominant. Maybe your most dominant trait is to be genuine?