Real people don’t wear masks

People wear masks for different reasons, and that, intentionally. A mask serves to cover all or part of someone’s face. A person wearing a mask has concealed their true face, thereby projecting a face that is not theirs. Whatever they wear is what others see. Moreover, an individual can put on different masks under different circumstances. They may wear a funny face today but look like a scary monster tomorrow. Those who hide behind a mask have the flexibility to change who people see from time to time. In fact, they may wear a face when you see them and then wear another one when I see them. You may know them as Jonny while I know them as Rosie. Those who wear masks conceal their identity so they can hide or, in fact, fool others.

Are you wearing a mask? Anyone who projects an identity that does not truly represent them is hiding behind a mask. One of the major requirements of a successful business relationship is trust or reliability. But if you are wearing a mask, how can we trust you? A person of integrity maintains principles that do not change easily. When they say “yes”, we know they mean “yes”, and their “no” is “no”. Those who wear their real face maintain the same character everywhere they go. They are the same at home, at work and in the community. They are predictable and dependable. Are you? If you are a manager at work, do those who work with you trust you? Can they take your word for it? If you are working in a team, can your colleagues trust you?
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This is a call to integrity – integrity in both words and deeds. In my journey through life, I have met people of integrity, people who show their real face and maintain consistency in their positive character and disposition. I have also met people who lack moral character to lead or influence people for a lasting change, who wear masks to look good to some and then look otherwise to others. We all choose where we belong. Whatever is your choice, know that real people don’t wear masks. We know who they are.

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Actions for the week

1. Take a moment to reflect on your relationships at home, work or elsewhere. Do you consistently act with integrity? Do people in your workplace truly trust you?
2. Determine to be a person of integrity, a real person who wears no masks.
3. Share this message with those in your network whom you know really need the message.

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A quote to remember
As I have said, the first thing is to be honest with yourself. You can never have an impact on society if you have not changed yourself. Great peacemakers are all people of integrity, of honesty, but humility. – Nelson Mandela

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Until another time,
Dele Ola, Award-Winning Author of Be A Change Agent
​Click HERE to learn about and get copies of Dele’s Books