by Herminia Ibarra
AUTHENTICITY HAS BECOME THE GOLD STANDARD for leadership. But a simplistic understanding of what it means can hinder your growth and limit your impact.
Consider Cynthia, a general manager in a health care organization. Her promotion into that role increased her direct reports 10-fold and expanded the range of businesses she oversaw—and she felt a little shaky about making such a big leap. A strong believer in transparent, collaborative leadership, she bared her soul to her new employees: “I want to do this job,” she said, “but it’s scary, and I need your help.” Her candor backfired; she lost credibility with people who wanted and needed a confident leader to take charge.
Or take George, a Malaysian ...
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