Last night on Leno, Scott Brown bantered like a pro with the king of late night TV.  He had Leno at “hello” when he reminded Jay that his dad, an insurance agent, used to call on the Leno family-apparently making such an impression that Leno’s dad named the family dog him. 

If Brown started out a little nervous, he more than overcame the jitters with some great one liners and a self-effacing demeanor.  He owned-up to getting caught by the law stealing records when he was 12; the judge brought him into chambers, asked Brown if he was a good basketball player, if his family loved him, and how they’d feel seeing him play basketball in Jail.  “I haven’t done anything like that since,” he said.

Downtown Scott Brown (a nickname he earned as a high school basketball star)  was cool as a cucumber when Leno Leno showed the 30 year old photo of him posing nude for COSMO.   Brown joked if he might do it again, but it would have to be for AARP magazine.   

Scott Brown is all business on policy matters, but when it comes to himself; he’s seriously funny, which is why so many voters have fallen for him.  How many of our political elite would admit their favorite movie is Rocky, or blush without apology after announcing their daughters were “available.”  A fresh breeze is blowing into Washington and I predict others will try (though few will succeed) to emulate Brown’s patented confident, sincere, authentic persona.  He’s just so real.

Look, a lot of people are gaga - talking about Scott Brown for president.  I have no idea whether he has the right stuff.  But the guy has spent some time figuring himself out.  His truck odometer has clocked 202,000 miles and along the way Scott Brown has discovered who he is.

I hope that every leader will take note of how the new Senator from Massachusetts has connected with voters by sharing some of himself.  It has created a strong, instant bond.  Over the years, as I’ve coached executives and written books, I’ve tried to convey the power of authenticity.  It always stops you in your tracks when you actually see it in action.

This morning, while reviewing the appendix of my first book, Speak Like a CEO, I counted 24 separate references to authenticity and the authenticity gap.  A lot of words on paper and honestly I don’t think it makes it any easier for most people to embrace.  Without authenticity, there is a disconnect between a leader and the audience, and most people would agree the gap is wide in Washington. People don’t like or trust people who they don’t believe to be genuine. 

The simple way to build trust is to be yourself.  It doesn’t hurt to travel a few hundred thousand miles alone in a truck, but it isn’t necessary either.  Don’t be afraid to be you.  Like Dorothy, we’re all longing to meet the real Oz; that guy (or gal) behind the velvet curtain.  As for the who was willing to take it all off - well I guess he can’t have much to hide.

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