So, the leadership world has a new darling: Authentic Leadership. ✨
It’s everywhere, right? Whispered in boardrooms, splashed across HBR articles, probably hashtagged on your VP’s latest LinkedIn post. The gospel is appealing: drop the mask, be vulnerable, lead as your true self. Sounds like a breath of fresh air compared to the stiff upper lips of yesteryear.
We all want leaders who are real people, not corporate robots. Genuine connection? Yes, please. Honesty? Absolutely.
But hang on a sec. Has this noble pursuit of “authenticity” accidentally created a permission slip for… well, for being kind of a jerk? 😬 Because sometimes, it feels like “being authentic” is being used as a shield for behaviour that’s less “genuine leader” and more “toddler who missed a nap.”
When “Being Real” Goes Really Wrong
You know the type. The leader whose “radical candor” feels suspiciously like just being mean, no constructive purpose insight. “Hey, I’m just being authentic!” they declare after dropping a feedback bomb that decimates someone’s confidence.
Or the boss who treats their team like a personal diary, spilling all sorts of TMI under the banner of “vulnerability,” leaving everyone shifting uncomfortably and wondering if HR needs to be called. 🤦♀️
Their go-to justification? “Just keeping it real!”
Let’s call it what it often is: an excuse. An excuse for poor self-control, a lack of empathy, or an unwillingness to do the harder work of communicating thoughtfully. It’s confusing unfiltered with authentic, and they are absolutely not the same thing. Think of it like confusing singing loudly off-key in the town square with being a “genuine musician” – passion is great, but skill and consideration matter too.
Authenticity Requires More Skill, Not Less
So, if Authentic Leadership isn’t just letting it all hang out, what is it?
It’s about deep self-awareness: knowing your values, understanding your emotional triggers, and crucially, recognizing the impact your words and actions have on others.
It’s about integrity: making sure your actions consistently align with your stated values, even when no one’s watching or it’s inconvenient.
It’s about thoughtful communication: expressing your genuine thoughts and feelings, but doing so constructively, appropriately, and with respect for the other person. It’s vulnerability with purpose, not just for show.
Basically, true authentic leadership demands more emotional intelligence, more self-regulation, and more intentionality, not less. It’s about skillfully integrating your genuine self into your leadership role, not letting your impulses run the show.
Beyond the Buzzword: Leading Authentically AND Effectively
Next time you’re tempted to “just be real,” maybe ask yourself: Is this comment or action rooted in my core values and aimed at a constructive outcome? Or am I just reacting, venting, or taking the easy way out?
Navigating this isn’t always simple. It requires reflection, a willingness to hear how others actually perceive you (gulp!), and sometimes, a guide to help you see your own patterns clearly.
Ready to Lead Without the Jerk Factor? 😉
If you’re committed to being a leader who is both genuinely yourself and highly effective – someone who builds trust and inspires action without using “authenticity” as a shield – then perhaps it’s time for a different kind of conversation.
At www.glehago.com, I work with leaders ready to ditch the easy excuses and cultivate a leadership style that is both authentic and impactful. We explore your unique strengths, uncover blind spots, and develop the skills to lead with integrity and influence.
It’s not about becoming someone else. It’s about becoming the most effective, value-driven version of the leader you truly are.
Ready to explore? Head over to www.glehago.com.
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