Comments on: Beware Sincere People

By: Phil Cooke

Phil Cooke — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 17:45:00 +0000

There’s a say in Hollywood that “Sincerity is everything. Once you can fake that, you’ve got it made.” In Branding Faith I mean that many Christian broadcasters try hard and “mean well” but they’re simply over the top. People feel that when they watch. They know when they’re not real. I’m getting a little tired of the word “authentic” – but it does have a place. This generation can spot “fake” a mile away…

By: Sarles

Sarles — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 17:29:00 +0000

What do you mean in Branding Faith p. 122 when you say say Christian broadcasters seem earnest but not sincere?

Do young people today want authenticity, or do they just ASSUME there is no such thing and thus value snarkiness (meaning cynical, flip and cutely rude).

Notice the Ray-Ban commercial campaign: “don’t hide” ; it promotes authenticity, as if it is asking people to buy into a moral good, but really they are simply promoting their longstanding brand of sunglasses. Is this really authentic?

Apparently everybody likes the new Old Spice commercials. Is this authentic? It seems hopelessly cynical and deeply embedded in a sinful perspective.

So what does this say about branding/positioning religious broadcasting? How is it possible to connect over such a divide?

By: SueB

SueB — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

@CVH–great wisdom obviously born from experience. This will help me…

By: gilliebean

gilliebean — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Great reminder, Phil.

Questions: Are you honest, forthright, and authentic right back to sincerely wrong people about their bad ideas? Or do you let them go? Or does it depend? And if it depends, on what does it depend?

By: Phil

Phil — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

THAT is a great question, and I’d love to know what other people think. I’ve discovered that challenging sincere (but wrong) people is a tough job. I think speaking the truth in love comes into play here, but I have to admit, sometimes it’s just too much trouble and I walk away…. :-)

By: SueB

SueB — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

This is THE question I think. Often sincere people believe so strongly, that they are personally offended if you point out a different viewpoint. I’m thinking of an organizational situation. If the sincere ones are leaders, how can we express a differing viewpoint without appearing to challenge them or without offending them? We must be courageous enough to be truthful or we are in some ways responsible for the bad outcome. Yet, oftentimes people are afraid to say what’s what and the problem perpetuates itself.

By: CVH

CVH — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Good conversation. It’s extremely difficult at times so when I’m in the situation described above, especially when dealing with those in a management or leadership position, I look for the best timing and method to present my case. Oftentimes I try to develop an analogy or comparative example to show the other viewpoint; tone is respectful without being apologetic and I often preface whatever I’m going to say with something to the effect that one of my reasons for being in the position I’m in is to give honest and transparent input. I’m not usually encumbered by the political or business considerations they’re factoring into their position so it’s easier to bring a different viewpoint. Usually it’s worked well. I’ve found that thoughtful leaders, even those who cling sincerely to their personal beliefs and values, are ultlimately if not immediately, appreciative of constructive ‘devil’s advocate’ discussions. It helps to have a good track record and credibility – a mix of wisdom and experience brings more weight to your counter-argument. Then, no matter what the outcome to the organization, I have a clear conscience that I’ve provided decison-makers with options and the pros and cons of a given situation.