Broaden your definition of authenticity

Authenticity is a much sought after leadership trait, with the prevailing idea being that the best leaders are those who self disclose, are true to themselves, and who make decisions based on their values. Yet in a recent Harvard Business Review article titled The Authenticity Paradox, Insead professor Herminia Ibarra discusses interesting research on the subject and tells the cautionary tale of a newly promoted general manager who admitted to subordinates that she felt scared in her expanded role, asking them to help her succeed. Her candor backfired, Ibarra writes. She lost credibility with people who wanted and needed a confident leader to take charge. So know this Play acting to emulate the qualities of successful leaders doesn t make you a fake. It merely means you re a work in progress.