We hear a lot about authenticity lately. Oh, and transparency, too. Transparency and authenticity. 

Meet the New T and A. Between the new presidential administration and the rise of social media, transparency and authenticity are probably the two biggest buzzwords of 2009. Transparency, of course, means that I can see right through you. And authenticity -- well, that means you express yourself without inhibition, like the wanton fame-seekers on what we absurdly call "reality TV."

Or does it?

photo credit: Marco Bellucci

Redefining T and A. Most people can certainly see right through politicians and absurd TV personalities. They're transparent enough. Most are poor actors, playing bad plots in ill-defined roles. They are often authentic in their desire to be popular. When they speak, we often can tell which of their words and action are authentic, and which have been scripted.

When formerly meaningful words like transparency and authenticity are repeated ad nauseum in business and political circles, you know it's uber-scripted. It's not genuine. It's not authentic.

"Transparency and Authenticity" are the new "Synergy and Accountability".

Ask harder questions. So when buzzword mania hits the mainstream, it's probably time to ask for specifics. The next time you hear someone parrot the buzzwords "Transparent and Authentic" about their organizations or business processes -- please ask them what that means to them, specifically.

• With regard to transparency, for example, you might ask: How transparent are they? What are their boundaries for what is public and what is private? How much is scripted and how much is genuine commentary and interaction?
• With regard to authenticity, you might ask: What does it mean to be authentic? What values are true to your organizational character? How do you ensure that you express these values with integrity? Are there penalties for faking it? What are they?

Disclosure: As for me, I'm not that transparent. I won't tell you everything I'm thinking and feeling. I don't express every thought and feeling with reckless abandon. I like a little mystery. Most women do. Also, I may not even be authentic. After all, I edit my work before I publish it. If I were truly authentic, I'd be spraying my unedited thoughts all over you. Instead, I clean 'em up a little. And sometimes, I even channel the spirit of Ethel Merman or Richard Simmons to get me through a tough day. They're not me, but I enjoy their spirit, so I take on their character from time to time.

What do authenticity and transparency mean to you?