More and more brands are looking to anchor themselves in authenticity. This is a strategy that needs to go beyond the brand – in fact, it needs to start in the workplace.

Reading a story on Eileen Fisher in the Style issue of The New Yorker (highly recommend it) they highlight a piece from an employee brochure entitled, “To Be Oursleves”.

The underlying philosophy of our design – no constraints, freedom of expression – extends to the company itself, which is run in a loosely structured manner that allows for an open exchange of ideas. Every employee is encouraged to give input to any area, no matter what their position or expertise. The individual is valued for the total picture of who they are and what they contribute.

Live that, and you’ve got authenticity in org design and in cutlure. Which probably explains why, amongst other things, Eileen Fisher has been such a success.