Be Who You Are: Leadership and Authenticity
A common frustration among executives grappling with leadership challenges sounds something like this: “This role isn’t aligning with my personal and professional purpose. In fact, it feels like the opposite.”
Such reflections tend to surface more frequently during slower business periods, like summer, when executives have extra time to pause and take stock of their careers. However, dismissing this realization as merely seasonal would be a mistake—it signals a deeper issue worth exploring.
The Pursuit of Success vs. Personal Fulfillment
We push ourselves to achieve what society defines as success—high salaries, prestigious titles, and, for a fortunate few, the ability to make a meaningful impact. Business thrives on these aspirations, and rightfully so. Profits fuel dreams, build communities, and create personal wealth. Yet, the very mechanisms that drive professional success can, over time, erode our inner sense of purpose.
Consider CEOs who have spent their careers striving for the top position only to discover that the reality doesn’t match their expectations. The immense pressures of leadership, well-documented in the media, can often leave them disillusioned.
Finding Authenticity in Leadership
So, what should an aspiring leader do? For starters, stop relying on overused business maxims or attempting to mirror legendary CEOs like Jack Welch. While their insights may be valuable, they won’t necessarily apply to your unique circumstances.
Instead, effective leadership requires adapting to your environment while staying true to yourself. This could mean stepping away from a role that no longer aligns with your values or, alternatively, seeking activities outside of work that complement your motivations and personal aspirations. For some, real leadership might not be about personal advancement at all but rather about fostering the growth and success of others within their organizations.
What Not to Do
Avoid making drastic career changes without first building the necessary skills and experience for your next move. Equally important, resist the temptation to adopt a leadership style that doesn’t suit you. Pretending to be someone you’re not is unsustainable and, ultimately, ineffective.
If you’re a charismatic self-promoter who thrives in the spotlight, embrace that quality—but don’t try to masquerade as a selfless servant leader. Conversely, if you’re a thoughtful, behind-the-scenes strategist who feels called to lead, use that strength to your advantage.
The Key to Leadership: Authenticity
Ultimately, true leadership isn’t about fitting into a predefined mold. It’s about understanding who you are and leading in a way that aligns with your natural strengths. Success, both personal and professional, follows when you dare to be yourself.