When Leadership Loses Its Authenticity: The Patchwork Persona Dilemma

As human beings, we are born with two fundamental needs: the need to belong and the need to be true to ourselves. However, these two needs can sometimes conflict as we strive to be effective leaders. In our pursuit of meeting what we believe others expect of us, we often end up creating a role or persona that we play. This becomes a sort of "patchwork persona," composed of various mental constructs about what a genuine leader should embody. These constructs encompass thoughts about being strong, achieving results, maintaining flawlessness, earning admiration, obtaining status, and much more.

The Fear of Revealing Our True Selves

These thought constructs, often attributed to external expectations, are, in reality, our own thoughts. They represent our efforts to protect ourselves and avoid vulnerability. It's akin to a shield fueled by the fear of being too much, the fear of judgment, the fear of losing authority, or the fear of standing out. We place these filters over ourselves in an attempt to present ourselves as we desire others to perceive us. Think of it as "Instagram for leaders." These are the intricately constructed images we present to the world, while the authentic images remain concealed, fearing they might harm us.

Unveiled by Employees

However, we make a significant mistake if we believe our employees cannot discern this over time. What they perceive is a leader lacking authenticity, a leader who has lost touch with their core values. Employees possess natural intuition and a radar for authenticity, and when they sense their leader might be playing a role, it can have adverse consequences for the work environment and the organization as a whole. Facades may work in the short term, but in the long run, they breed uncertainty and doubt about who you truly are.

Authentic Energy

Embracing our need to be ourselves connects us with something meaningful. We tap into our human capabilities and the core personality we were born with. This unleashes remarkable energy within us. When we are genuinely ourselves, fearlessness emerges, along with a sense of invincibility. Embracing our vulnerabilities and challenging our comfort zones naturally fosters courage. Notably, people prefer working for leaders unafraid of making mistakes, leaders who dare to be honest and stand firmly in their authenticity. These leaders are trustworthy, energizing, and we know they have our backs.

Shed the Instagram Version of Yourself

Being authentic as a leader is about being honest and open, even when it's challenging. It's about admitting faults, displaying vulnerability, and being the person you truly are. In a world filled with expectations and demands, it's tempting to create an artificial facade to fit in. However, as leaders, we must remember that our authenticity and our true selves, however unconventional or unique they may feel, constitute our strength. Authenticity builds trust, fosters a healthy work culture, and promotes engagement and creativity. When we are authentic, we demonstrate an understanding and acceptance of ourselves, making it much easier to comprehend and support our employees. So, here's to not only presenting our Instagram versions as leaders but also sharing our real images, regardless of how imperfect, flawed, or unique they may be.

If you're curious about some leadership qualities that often don't receive the recognition they deserve, read more here: Beyond the Title: Unveiling Hidden Leadership Traits for a Stronger Workplace (milleschou.com)