Are you really your true self as a leader? The thin line between authenticity and hiding

There is much written about leaders and how they choose to present themselves within their professional environments.

I can say hand on heart that when I was a CEO of my previous business I didn’t honestly reveal much about my personality and personal circumstances.

If you asked my team who I was and what my interests were, they may have said ‘Star Wars’ but struggle to come up with much more. And as much as I love the ‘Jedi and the Force’ (ask a Star Wars fan if you are not sure) there is obviously more to me.

When one of them described me as a ‘dark horse’ in retrospect this was an accurate and thoughtful perspective from a colleague who only knew the shiny surface of me within the work environment. My mantra was ‘professional boundaries’ above everything. Did I get this right?

I wrote a piece for People Management magazine about the thin line leaders tread regarding what they choose to reveal about themselves and the pro’s and cons about revealing your true self to your team and organisation when you are in a leadership role.

You can read this here.

The thin line leaders tread between acting with authenticity and hiding their true self (peoplemanagement.co.uk)

Would I be different now? Yes probably as with the benefit of hindsight (which of course is not always a benefit) now reflect it is ok to share something of your life, loves and likes. It makes us in the roles leader and/or bosses a bit more human for both yourself and those around you.

I just wish I had joined in the conversations about shoes and what to wear them with – as a person who owns over 150 pairs themselves I do know something about this subject….don’t judge me….