Right now I’m wrestling with what I’ll describe as the spectrum of authenticity. It’s a line along which you have to place yourself when you place or find yourself in a position to influence public opinion. At one end of the spectrum is the self sacrificing, passionate campaigner, at the other the attention seeker with little to add to the debate, except their name.
A good example of a self sacrificing idealist would be Nelson Mandela. By standing up for what he believed in he endured years in jail but by staying true to his vision, eventually he emerged to lead his country and win global acclaim. The trouble with being at this end of the spectrum is that for every one who wins a Nobel Prize, thousands get dragged into a dark alley and shot. It’s a risky place to be, but the reward is the joy of changing even a few lives. Surely giving hope to those facing desperation is the greatest gift you can give.
There are far more attention seekers. They’ve made it big in their chosen field, achieved a degree of fame already and seek to build their personal brand. They love being on TV, book signings and conferences. Money has been made and now respect and public acclaim become the goals. Alan Sugar, Michelle Badger and Michelle Dewberry are all to mind good examples. Each has an altruistic streak, but they’re approaching the world from a privileged position of strength. Unlike those at the other end of the spectrum, they already have money, profile and material success. I think they’ve reached the tip of Maslov’s pyramid and are now seeking self actualisation; the key word here is self!
So where do I stand along that line myself? I’m not a household name, nor am I a multi-millionaire. Equally, I don’t feel strongly enough about any one issue to become an ardent campaigner and risk all for the cause. In fact what right do I have to approach the line at all? There is always a danger in being considered a self appointed authority on any subject!
Luckily I’m bright enough to be able to reflect on some of my life’s battles, traumas and successes and extract from them pointers to help others making similar journeys. An alcoholic abusive father; overcoming low self esteem to become a successful entrepreneur and a mid life crisis that took three years on the couch to unpick, have given me a unique perspective on enterprise, society and some of the paradoxes imposed on us by those who govern. Nine books (a few bestsellers) invitations to sit on this think tank and that board, plus some short term, intense, fruitful campaigning have gradually led me to approach that line, the spectrum of authenticity. So where shall I stand? Too far towards the self serving celebrity end and I’m in danger of losing touch with the realities I want to help change. Too far the other way and I’ll be overlooked as a crank.
To make matters worse, the spectrum is lit by the media. We all know that Peter Jones now makes TV ads, but few appreciate that he chairs Enterprise UK. You are only known for what you do that’s made visible by the media. It may be me, but the recession has a seen a surge in numbers gathering at the attention seeking end of the spectrum. A case perhaps of ‘I’m a celebrity now, let me in here!’
Which brings me nicely round to my challenge to you this month. If you’re one of those people who shape the regeneration landscape, be it infrastructure or enterprise, you owe it to your audience to choose the best people to champion your cause. Don’t just go for the first name that pops into your head. Dig a little, ask around and find someone with passion, presence and something worthwhile to say. Choose people who you are confident will connect at every level and who truly represent the change you want to see.
About Robert Ashton
Robert Ashton is a business author, broadcaster, professional speaker and social activist.
Added on Wednesday, 4th November 2009 | This entry has 0 comments
Right now I’m wrestling with what I’ll describe as the spectrum of authenticity.