I Don't Want Your Avatar!

Image by CoffeeBean from Pixabay

Yes, I know it’s just another harmless, fun trend for friends to engage in on Facebook. But honestly, it turns me off.

Why do we feel the need to put up an image? One that reflects more how we would like to look, one with the successes we wish we had?

Because we do not like how we look?  

Why is it when some groups of leaders get together, they answer the question, “How are you?” with a description of the successes in their church? Why can’t we just be real?

Is it fear of rejection or perception of judgment in our groups? Or is it because we feel so driven to prove ourselves?

Is it that we cannot accept ourselves and then imagine others won’t accept us either? Or perhaps we just really don’t know what causes us to be that way?

The reason I don’t want your avatar? It’s because I like you! The real you.

And if you’re following me on my Dr. Jeannie Facebook page, then I want to connect with you. The Real You!

Does your photo reveal a little aging? The pose not as flattering as you would prefer? Awesome! I want to see you. Get to know you. Connect with the real you. Not your avatar.

Authenticity is important to emotionally intelligent leadership. When you share some of your humanness, pain or struggle people experience you as relatable.

People increasingly view modern society, organizations, governments, and sometimes even our churches as corrupt. Fake.

They hunger for more than a facade. They long for relevancy, transparency, and genuineness. They don’t want perfection so much as they want connection.

Authenticity requires courage. It may seem that presenting the authentic you weakens leadership but it actually enhances it.

When leaders dare to be authentic, trust deepens. When we dare to be authentic, people relate to us. Engage with us.

We can’t underestimate how important that is to transformational Christian leadership.

So, no, I don’t want your avatar.

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