Insights

When am I really authentic?

Playful instead of perfect

Leadership can also be easy. Trust is created through humor, curiosity and a safe framework for mistakes.

Introverted or extraverted?

No behavioral tendency is “more correct” – there are strengths and downsides to each. It is therefore more important to act appropriately depending on the situation.

Career = shaping, not finding

Those who try things out learn more quickly what suits them – and what doesn’t.

What does authenticity actually mean?

“Be yourself”

But: who is this self? We all have different facets – depending on our roles, situations and experiences. Leadership often means growing beyond ourselves. How are we supposed to stay true to a future self that is only just developing?

“Say what you feel”

Honesty is important – but total openness can be out of place in leadership. New managers who reveal everything run the risk of losing credibility before trust has been established.

“Make decisions based on your values”

A strong inner compass is valuable – but if our values come from previous contexts, they can lead us astray in new leadership roles. Example: An authentic adherence to micromanagement may seem familiar, but can be counterproductive in more complex roles.