How do I be a 'true to myself' leader?

One of the latest themes in leadership is being an authentic leader. There is encouragement to ‘be yourself’ to ‘stay true to who you are’.

But what does this really mean? And who is the ‘true you’?

Reflecting on what authenticity means to me has raised some interesting questions, and I’ve realised that there is a tension between being what is described as ‘true to myself’ and my notions of what I see as good leadership.

As someone who dislikes saying something for the sake of it. I can remain silent in meetings. I’m still engaged, but unless I have something I feel is of value to add, I’m unlikely to say anything. I also take time to consider my point of view. It may not be until after the discussion has ended and I’ve had chance to reflect on the points debated, will I formulate my opinion.

Yet, there are many situations where expressing my opinion there and then has greater influence than waiting. And I’ve had to learn methods to help myself in these situations.

So, what’s the being true to myself look like?

By instinct, I’d listen to all viewpoints, take them away and reflect on them. Perhaps seek to understand them more. Form my own opinion.

By necessity, I come prepared. Listen. Put forward my own viewpoint. Know my boundaries. Only likely compromise (if needed) afterwards when I’ve had chance to reflect.

And perhaps that’s one of the reasons why I feel a tension between ‘authenticity’ and ‘leadership’. Being ‘true to myself’ feels like it’s a snapshot of me at a particular time and place. What am I like now.

Yet it’s not how I was 10, 5, even 2 years ago.

I’ve changed. The challenges I’ve faced mean I have experience I didn’t have before. I’ve reassessed my way of working. Sometimes tweaked it. Sometimes learnt a new approach.

And reflecting on this, maybe ‘authenticity’ is the recognition that wherever we might be in our career, our working life, whatever our knowledge and experience we have, there is more to learn. That a key part of authentic leadership is the willingness and desire to see new challenges, new responsibilities, a new role as a learning opportunity where mistakes and success are all part of the process.