Authenticity

Can I still be me? 

This has got to be one of the questions I get most from people who work with me as they move up the corporate career ladder.

Why?

Because they have seen – and still see – so many examples around them of who they do not want to be.  Leaders who are at the level they want to be at acting in ways that makes them cringe. 

Regardless of why these examples of other leaders act the way they do, this is an issue.

Most of the leaders asking me this initial question have at one point contemplated to just ditch the corporate rat race because they feel it’s not for them.  These are leaders who are incredibly talented, dedicated and genuinely good at what they do.  They deliver results.  No bullshit.

The fact that they question themselves is beyond me.

Yet.

The fact that they do question themselves is a sign of why they are the exact ones who would be amazing at taking their leadership one step up in the organization.

And why every organisation needs more of these leaders, not less. 

(Before you read this entire post through the lense of a gender diversity agenda, I need to clarify something.  The people asking me this question are both men and women.  From all ethnical backgrounds.  From all nationalities.  From all religions.)

Within one or two conversations, they realise that yes they can still be themselves AND make the next move in their leadership journey. 

Just think about all the ones who do not make that realization.  The ones who stop in their tracks.  The ones who leave your organization.  The ones who leave the workplace altogether.

We need more role models from all different types and shapes in behaviour.  We need doubt, insecurity, honesty, reflection, openness, humbleness and all emotions on the spectrum.  We need them in the form of all genders, ethnicities, nationalities, religions, languages, age groups and dress codes.

So that every leader contemplating their next move knows that they can.