Authenticity In Leadership: How Vulnerability Builds Stronger Teams

Authenticity In Leadership: How Vulnerability Builds Stronger Teams

In leadership, we often hear about the importance of being strategic, decisive, and visionary. While these qualities are undoubtedly vital, there’s another attribute that’s equally powerful, though less often discussed. Authenticity.

Authentic leadership isn’t just about being transparent. It’s about embracing vulnerability and fostering trust.?

But how does authenticity truly impact leadership and team dynamics? Let me share an example hat illustrates this beautifully.

The courage to open up

A client of mine - an experienced professional managing a thriving practise - recently shared a pivotal moment in his leadership journey. For years, he carried the belief that he had to shoulder the most complex tasks himself to protect his reputation and maintain his high standards.

While his drive and diligence were impressive, this mindset came at a cost. The stress was palpable, delegation was limited, and his well-being took a back seat to his work. He also felt burdened by the imposter syndrome - the pervasive sense that he wasn’t as smart or capable as those around him.

He realised this approach was unsustainable - not just for him but for his team’s growth and morale.

You see, here’s the thing.

Employees and people in middle management can compensate for a perceived sense of inadequacy by putting pressure on themselves, working longer hours, and obsessing over the smallest details.

But as they progress to more senior leadership roles, it becomes increasingly vital that they learn to delegate and “stay in their lane” rather than continuing to try to do everything themselves.

The mark of a great leader isn't how personally competent they are. It’s how well they delegate, keep people accountable, and resist the urge to micromanage.

In a bold step toward authentic leadership, my client had a conversation with a key team member. He opened up to his direct report about his struggles with self-doubt and how it was to delegate effectively to her.?

This was no small feat. It required vulnerability to admit that despite his achievements, he sometimes questioned his own capabilities.

The power of a positive response

The team member’s response was nothing but affirming. They expressed surprise at the admission, stating they’d never doubted his competence and considered him the best leader they’d worked with. They were supportive, and after the conversation said they were willing to take on new responsibilities and eager to help lighten the load.

This moment of connection highlighted two things. First, sharing vulnerability can deepen trust and open doors to greater collaboration. Second, our inner critics often create stories that aren’t reflected in how others see us.

Does it always work this way? No, of course not. Often, people receive their leader’s authentic shares with care and presence, offering affirmation and offers to help where they can. But at times they may feel threatened that their leader doesn't “have it all together” (usually a sign that they themselves must have it together at all times) and can lose trust. In rare cases, they may even use this information against the person who shared it.

The key with authentic leadership is to always go slowly. Small expressions of vulnerability can test the waters to see how it is received.?

If it enhances the level of psychological safety and openness in the other person (or team), this is a sign that it may be appropriate (and helpful) to share other authentic things in future.?

If the person receiving the authenticity reacts negatively or misuses the information, that is a sign that it may not be appropriate to be authentic with them in future. It’s also a sure sign that the other person has their own self-critical or perfectionistic inner voice.

Why authenticity matters in leadership

Authenticity, done well, creates a ripple effect. When leaders embrace vulnerability, they empower their teams to do the same. This builds psychological safety - a critical ingredient for innovation, accountability, and resilience.

In this case, by sharing his challenges, my client didn’t just unburden himself. He gave his colleague a chance to step up. It’s a reminder that authenticity isn’t a sign of weakness. It’s a catalyst for mutual growth.

A work in progress

Let’s be honest: my client’s imposter syndrome isn’t going to vanish overnight. It is going to take multiple sessions of inner work gently challenging beliefs around inadequacy, reducing overcompensation strategies (such as perfectionism and excessive drivenness) and conflating self-worth with achievement.

Indeed, while the positive feedback my client received from his direct report was validating, it collided with years of internalised doubt, making it difficult to fully absorb. But what mattered was the first step: acknowledging the challenge and starting the conversation.

Leadership isn’t about perfection. It’s about progress, self-awareness, and the courage to show up as you are. When you lead authentically, you create an environment where your team can thrive - not despite your imperfections but because of your willingness to embrace them.

Being authentic gives them permission to be synthetic too - both about their successes as well as their challenges and self-doubt.

Practical tips for leading authentically

Acknowledge your inner dialogue: Recognise the stories you tell yourself and question their validity. Are they based on evidence or self-doubt?

Start small with vulnerability: Share challenges or lessons learned in a way that feels manageable. Watch how others respond.

Trust your team: Delegation isn’t just a way to reduce your workload. It’s an opportunity for growth - for you and your team.

Seek feedback: Positive reinforcement from colleagues or mentors can challenge the inner critic and offer a fresh perspective.

Remember the bigger picture: Leadership isn’t just about outcomes. It’s about relationships, culture, and long-term impact.

Authenticity might feel risky, especially in high-stakes environments, but it’s one of the most rewarding approaches to leadership. It allows you to connect with others, lead with empathy, and ultimately, create a workplace where everyone - including you - can thrive.

What’s your next step?

If you’ve been hesitating to have that tough conversation or share something real with your team, consider this your sign to take the leap. Your authenticity might be the key to unlocking not only your own potential but also the full potential of those around you.

Let me know:

How has authenticity played a role in your leadership journey? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments. Let’s keep the conversation going!