What Depeche Mode can teach us about Authenticity?

Reading the Guardian’s interview with Dave Gahan and Martin Gore (Depeche Mode) last week, I was once again struck by how brutally honest and authentic these guys are. It prompted me to look through their back catalogue for more inspiration as how we can establish and manage our own authenticity?

The roots of authenticity obviously begin with oneself, but where it really starts to grow and become effective is in the interaction between you and others – as authenticity is largely defined by what other people see in you.

So, some Depeche Mode inspired tips as to how we can get to know others better and also better connect into our organisational contexts:

Get to know others better

People are People - given the pace at which modern professional life is lived and our increasing hybrid working habits, it’s far too easy to see many of one’s colleagues from only one dimension i.e. their professional dimension. We should consciously try and flesh out people’s personas by finding out about their backgrounds, passions, families etc.. 

Walking in my Shoes - remove barriers between yourself and others – for example, by selectively showing a weakness you demonstrate approachability. Or by finding common ground – interest in rugby, 70’s disco music, indie Sci Fi or whatever. 

It’s Called a Heart - I think feedback is incredibly important – but we need to try and give people feedback that acknowledges their own values and beliefs i.e. what is unique about them?

Connect to our Organisational context better

Get the balance right – need to get the distance right, we need to connect, but not too much i.e. must fit in but retain sense of individualism

Everything Counts – need to develop your social antennae, understand the organisational undercurrent – what do people think? what are they talking about?

Personal Jesus – need to understand what the deeply held cultural values and beliefs of the organisation are - and honour them.

So I know some of the analogies above are stretched, but hopefully they still communicate the underlying point.  Also aware that I’ve left out an awful lot of excellent songs !!

I'd love to hear which DM tracks inspire other people’s life soundtracks?

#depechemode #authentic