Rethinking Authenticity in Leadership: Focusing on What Really Matters
Authenticity is often celebrated as an essential trait for effective leadership. We’re told that to lead well, we need to “be our authentic selves.” But is this really what we should be striving for?
While the aspiration for authenticity is understandable, I believe it’s worth questioning whether it’s the best path forward – particularly when our goal is to create an environment where others can thrive. Authenticity, while valuable, is not a one-size-fits-all solution for leadership, and in some cases, prioritising it can distract from what really matters.
Understanding Authenticity in a Leadership Context
At its core, authenticity is about being true to one’s values and principles. In a world where trust in leadership is often in short supply, authenticity appeals because it promises honesty, transparency, and a sense of reliability. Yet, as leaders, we must remember that we are all human – and inevitably flawed. Not every part of our authentic selves is always suited to every situation.
There are moments when bringing our “unfiltered, authentic selves” into professional contexts may not serve us, our teams, or the goals we’re trying to achieve. Being a leader often means stepping into a role where our own desires or preferences need to take a back seat to what’s best for the team. This is why authenticity, while a great concept, shouldn’t always be the priority in leadership.
What Should We Strive For Instead?
For me, effective leadership is less about “being authentic” and more about creating the right conditions and safe environments where people can thrive. People work best when they feel respected, supported, and safe to express themselves – and this doesn’t always require complete authenticity from a leader. Instead, it demands thoughtful, empathetic actions that build trust and psychological safety.
Creating these conditions means fostering an environment with a few essential elements:
• Psychological Safety: This is foundational. People need to feel that they can share ideas, raise questions, and make mistakes without fear of judgement or reprisal. Psychological safety allows people to bring their best selves to work, knowing that they’ll be supported rather than criticised for taking risks or sharing dissenting views.
• Open Communication: Authenticity is sometimes equated with “speaking one’s mind,” but in a team setting, communication needs to be more strategic. Leaders should aim for open and transparent communication that prioritises clarity, alignment, and respect, even if it sometimes requires setting aside personal views or preferences.
• Mutual Respect: An environment of respect doesn’t rely solely on a leader’s authenticity. Instead, it’s about recognising and valuing each team member’s unique contributions, perspectives, and strengths. Respect builds connection and motivation and fosters a culture where people feel truly valued.
By focusing on these aspects, we create the conditions for people to thrive, contribute meaningfully, and grow. This, to me, is the essence of effective leadership.
The Risk of Over-Prioritising Authenticity
If we focus solely on authenticity, we risk overlooking what actually matters: cultivating an environment where people feel valued, empowered, and safe to take risks. Authenticity is about “being true to oneself,” but leadership often demands something broader – adapting to bring out the best in others, even if that means holding back certain aspects of our own personality or preferences.
For instance, imagine a leader who is “authentically” direct to the point of bluntness. In some situations, that might be helpful; in others, it could inhibit openness and make team members hesitant to speak up. To be effective, a leader may need to temper this bluntness, not because they’re being inauthentic, but because they’re striving to create an environment where others feel comfortable and engaged.
The distinction here is important. Authenticity is about self-alignment, while leadership is about creating conditions that enable others to succeed. When we confuse the two, we risk misplacing our priorities. Leadership requires adaptability – the willingness to adjust our approach to meet the needs of our team and our goals, rather than solely honouring our personal tendencies.
Moving Beyond Authenticity to What Really Drives Success
So, rather than prioritising authenticity alone, I believe we should focus on creating conditions for growth, resilience, and trust within our teams. This is what truly drives success, helping individuals and teams to thrive.
Ultimately, the goal isn’t to dismiss authenticity altogether. There are times when being authentic is critical for building trust and showing vulnerability. However, when we lead with the needs of our team in mind – focusing on psychological safety, open communication, and respect – we can create a truly supportive environment. And in that environment, people feel empowered to bring their best, and the whole team benefits as a result.
In Summary
Authenticity is valuable, but it’s not the be-all and end-all of leadership. Let’s not confuse authenticity with what’s actually important. Effective leadership is about adaptability, empathy, and creating conditions where others can do their best work. When we shift our focus from “being authentic” to enabling others to thrive, we unlock the full potential of our teams – and that’s a far more impactful, sustainable goal.