What is your opinion about the question above?
Some of you will automatically think, of course, you need to be authentic; why wouldn't you be?
Others will think, work is work and home is home and only rarely shall the twain meet.
For me, being my authentic self at work has undoubtedly been one of the driving principles of my career and remains so. My motto has always been to try to be as friendly as possible, show my best side at work as much as I can, respect others in my professional life and, where necessary, and on rare occasions, 'show my teeth' to those who deserve it.
Quite a few years ago, a colleague shared an article with me which summarised this ethos very well. It was called 'Authentic Leadership: 8 essential traits'. I've tried to google it since and can't find it, so let me know if you want a copy as I have a pdf sitting on my hard drive.
The article's essence was that to be a great leader, you need to be authentic.
Others will think, work is work and home is home and only rarely shall the twain meet.
For me, being my authentic self at work has undoubtedly been one of the driving principles of my career and remains so. My motto has always been to try to be as friendly as possible, show my best side at work as much as I can, respect others in my professional life and, where necessary, and on rare occasions, 'show my teeth' to those who deserve it.
Quite a few years ago, a colleague shared an article with me which summarised this ethos very well. It was called 'Authentic Leadership: 8 essential traits'. I've tried to google it since and can't find it, so let me know if you want a copy as I have a pdf sitting on my hard drive.
The article's essence was that to be a great leader, you need to be authentic.

Leaders like Eric can unsettle you as you can't see past the carefully cultivated image.
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The article continues by outlining the eight essential ingredients for authentic leadership. These are:
Excel at the basics. The ability to listen, confidence, constant learning, kindness, respect, self-awareness, courageousness, responsiveness and courtesy.
Reject the notion of building an image. Authentic leaders do not waste time on managing perceptions. They are consistent in who they are and what they do.
Resist the urge to define yourself by your role. A genuine approach to your work will shine through.
Speak the truth. Authentic leaders are true to themselves person speak the words that are aligned to who they are.
Investing in others. The most effective way for leaders is to do everything you can to make others successful.
Nurture communities. Just as team building and team management were important in the 90s, worldwide communities are important today. Authentic leaders grasp the importance of globalisation and the power of inclusion.
Insist on excellence. Authentic leaders expect the very best. They go beyond expectations and clearly articulate the essence of quality.
Demonstrate unfailing integrity. Nothing derails authentic leadership as quickly or severely as questionable integrity.
Excel at the basics. The ability to listen, confidence, constant learning, kindness, respect, self-awareness, courageousness, responsiveness and courtesy.
Reject the notion of building an image. Authentic leaders do not waste time on managing perceptions. They are consistent in who they are and what they do.
Resist the urge to define yourself by your role. A genuine approach to your work will shine through.
Speak the truth. Authentic leaders are true to themselves person speak the words that are aligned to who they are.
Investing in others. The most effective way for leaders is to do everything you can to make others successful.
Nurture communities. Just as team building and team management were important in the 90s, worldwide communities are important today. Authentic leaders grasp the importance of globalisation and the power of inclusion.
Insist on excellence. Authentic leaders expect the very best. They go beyond expectations and clearly articulate the essence of quality.
Demonstrate unfailing integrity. Nothing derails authentic leadership as quickly or severely as questionable integrity.
My view is that holding back from your authentic self on occasions is probably a wise move.
'Authentic leadership can be bad leadership'
As a leader, it is also good to know when to lose a battle to win the war.
How authentic is your leadership coaching?
People Perform offer leadership coaching that runs over a 6-month period.
The coaching journey itself is also backed up by accessing to both the Coaching For Leaders and Resources hub to ensure that as a coachee, your coaching experience does not end when your programme does.
The coaching journey itself is also backed up by accessing to both the Coaching For Leaders and Resources hub to ensure that as a coachee, your coaching experience does not end when your programme does.