I have a friend who shakes their head no while saying yes, usually leaving me a bit confused which one they actually meant. This is an obvious, yet benign, example of incongruity.
A less obvious, yet potentially bigger negative impact, example is a recent speaker I experienced give a presentation on leadership. Their effort at an outward appearance of calm and confidence was under gridded by a contrasting interior. Many of us may see this, in varying degrees, in co-workers, managers and corporate leaders. This type of incongruity can have a more substantial impact on the team you are leading, the people around you and yourself.
One internet definition of “incongruous” is the following:
Incongruous is a spin-off of its antonym, congruous, which means “in agreement, harmony, or correspondence.” Etymologists are in agreement about the origin of both words; they trace to the Latin verb congruere, which means “to come together” or “to agree.”
My previous Blogs regarding Leadership and Self-awareness touch on the importance of being aware of your inner-self and bringing your authentic self forward to the external world. How you show up is one of the most important factors in Leadership. Most leadership books reference clarity, consistency and being authentic key to leadership.
Being consistent, from the inside-out, in words and behavior is important in all areas of our lives, personally and professionally; our relationships, raising kids, training pets, building strong teams and building a solid reputation.
Strive to have your inner experience come together or agree with your outer experience providing harmony for you and those around you.
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