The Authenticity Paradox: Why Genuine Leadership is a Tough Act
By Jayson Krause, Managing Director of Level 52 & Award-Winning Author of The Science Behind Success
Authenticity in leadership is like a unicorn - often talked about, rarely seen, and somewhat mythical. But why is it so elusive? Why do leaders, even those with the best intentions, struggle to be authentic?
To start, let's acknowledge the paradox of authenticity. As leaders, you're often told to 'be yourself'. But what if 'yourself' is not what your team or organization needs? What if 'yourself' is a little too blunt, a little too indecisive, or a little too unconventional? This is the authenticity paradox - the tension between being true to yourself and adapting to meet the expectations of your role and your team.
The second thing is that authenticity is not a static state, but a dynamic process. It's not about finding a fixed 'authentic self', but about continuously evolving and adapting. This requires a high level of self-awareness, self-reflection, and self-regulation - skills that are often underdeveloped in leaders.
The third point is perhaps the toughest. Authenticity requires vulnerability. It requires you to show up with your strengths and your weaknesses, your successes and your failures. In a world that often equates leadership with perfection, this can be a daunting prospect. It's easier to hide behind a mask of perfection than to expose your flaws and imperfections.
Finally, authenticity can be risky. It can lead to criticism, rejection, or even failure. It's safer to conform, to play the role expected of you, to blend in rather than stand out.
So, how can leaders navigate the authenticity paradox?
Here are a few suggestions:
Develop Self-Awareness: Understand your values, your strengths, your weaknesses, and your impact on others. Use tools like 360-degree feedback, personality assessments, and coaching to gain insights into your authentic self.
Embrace Vulnerability: Be open about your challenges, your doubts, and your failures. Show your team that you're human, that you're learning and growing just like them.
Adapt Authentically: Adapt your style and approach to meet the needs of your team and your role, but do it in a way that aligns with your values and your authentic self.
Take Risks: Be willing to stand out, to challenge the status quo, to be different. Authenticity requires courage, the courage to be uniquely you.
Authenticity in leadership is not about being a fixed 'self', but about being true to your values, open to growth, and courageous enough to show up as you are. It's truly a journey, not a destination, a journey that requires self-awareness, and a commitment to continuous growth and your development.
