Are You an Authentic Leader or an Authentic Jerk?

Are You an Authentic Leader

or an Authentic Jerk?

Leaders who are true to their values can inspire trust and respect, but not if “being

yourself” becomes the problem.

By Hannes Leroy, Michael A. Daniels, Kristin L. Cullen-Lester, and Alexandra Gerbasi

Have you ever been told you have a “strong personality”

or that you are very direct? Has anyone ever called you

strong-willed or, worse, a moral crusader? If so, you

might be walking a ne line between authenticity and

abrasiveness. At a time when “bringing your whole self ”

to work is often praised, it’s easy to mistake bluntness

for integrity and rigidity for principle. Authenticity can

turn toxic when your intention to stay true to yourself

begins to crowd out curiosity, collaboration, ...