Remember when we talked about the power of authentic leadership? Well, buckle up, because we’re about to take that idea for a spin and see how it holds up in the real world.

The Authenticity Conundrum

So, you’ve decided to embrace authenticity in your leadership style. Great! But wait a minute… What if your authentic self is, shall we say, a bit rough around the edges? What if being your true self means showing up to work as a grumpy, coffee-deprived zombie every morning?

Here’s the thing, while authenticity is a powerful tool in a leader’s arsenal, it’s not a blank check to ignore social norms or disregard the feelings of others. Just think about it, what if everyone in the office decided to be 100% authentic all the time, we might end up with a workplace that looks more like an episode of The Office than a productive environment.

The Balancing Act: Authenticity vs. Cultural Fit

Picture this: You’re at a formal business dinner, and your authentic self really wants to slurp that soup and talk with your mouth full. Should you go for it in the name of authenticity? Probably not.

The key is finding the sweet spot between being true to yourself and adapting to the culture around you. It’s like a dance, you want to show off your unique moves without stepping on anyone’s toes.

Why Culture Matters

Culture isn’t just a buzzword HR likes to throw around. It’s the invisible glue that holds teams and organisations together. When everyone’s pulling in the same direction, magic happens. But when someone decides to go rogue in the name of authenticity, it can throw the whole system out of flow.

If one team member constantly makes biassed remarks and justifies it with “That’s just how I am,” it creates a toxic environment for everyone else. Suddenly, the focus shifts from achieving goals to managing conflicts.

The Authenticity-Conformity Spectrum

Instead of thinking about authenticity and conformity as an either-or proposition, imagine them as two ends of a spectrum. Your job as a leader is to find the right position on that spectrum for each situation.

• High Authenticity, Low Conformity: Great for brainstorming sessions or when you need to challenge the status quo.
• Balanced Authenticity and Conformity: Ideal for most day-to-day interactions. You’re being true to yourself while respecting the norms of your environment.
• Low Authenticity, High Conformity: Useful in formal situations or when dealing with sensitive issues where tact is crucial.

Strategies for Balancing Authenticity and Cultural Fit

1. Know Your Core Values: Identify what’s non-negotiable for you. These are the things you won’t compromise on, no matter what.
2. Understand the Culture: Take time to learn about your organisation’s culture. What behaviours are celebrated? What’s frowned upon?
3. Adapt, Don’t Fake: Instead of putting on a completely different persona, find ways to express your authentic self that align with the culture.
4. Choose Your Battles: Not every situation calls for brutal honesty. Learn to recognise when it’s important to speak up and when it’s better to go with the flow.
5. Seek Feedback: Regularly check in with colleagues and mentors. Are you striking the right balance between authenticity and cultural fit?

And Finally…

Being authentic is still incredibly important. It builds trust and helps you make decisions that align with your values. But like any powerful tool, it needs to be wielded with skill and awareness. The next time you’re faced with a leadership challenge, ask yourself: “How can I be true to myself while also bringing out the best in my team and organisation?” That’s the sweet spot where true leadership magic happens.

Because, at the end of the day, leadership isn’t just about being yourself, it’s about bringing out the best in others. And sometimes, that means knowing when to dial up your authenticity and when to tone it down a notch.

So, go forth and be authentic… but maybe leave the soup-slurping for home, okay?

For clarity, get in touch with us about our trust building workshops, EQ leadership training and better conversation skills workshops in Singapore.