Authenticity vs. Professionalism: Finding the Sweet Spot

By David. Hermann , CEO of hermanngroup

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Be authentic!

It’s the battle cry of modern leadership. But then, right behind it, comes another directive:

Be professional!

If you’ve ever felt caught between these two expectations, you’re not alone.

I once worked with a CEO navigating a massive company transformation. She was naturally warm and approachable, but when the changes started, she thought she had to toughen up—show less emotion, be more "executive." The result? Her team felt disconnected and uncertain. Morale dropped, and so did productivity.

On the other hand, I’ve seen leaders swing too far in the opposite direction—oversharing every doubt and fear. They think they’re being transparent, but instead, their teams start losing confidence. If the leader is anxious, should they be worried too?

So, how do you strike the balance? How do you lead with honesty without losing authority?

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The Power of Connected Clarity

One of the most effective approaches I’ve seen is what I call connected clarity. It’s about being real, but also steady. It’s saying:

"I know this change is unsettling. I've been through this before, and I understand the uncertainty. But here’s why I believe this is the right path, and here’s what comes next."

That balance of empathy and direction is what makes people trust you. You’re acknowledging the difficulty, but you’re not getting lost in it.

?How do you lead with honesty without losing authority?

Creating Spaces for Authentic Conversations

Another strategy I’ve used personally is creating structured spaces for authenticity. One VP I worked with held regular sessions where employees could voice concerns. When I’ve done this myself, I’ve made small but intentional choices—taking off my jacket, rolling up my sleeves—subtly signaling, this is a real conversation, not just corporate talk.

Authenticity isn’t about dumping every thought you have. It’s about making others feel seen, heard, and understood while still leading them forward.

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Aligning Words and Actions

If you say transparency is important, but your team finds out major news through rumors, you’ve lost credibility. If you preach work-life balance but send emails at midnight, your actions are louder than your words. The best leaders show their values through consistent action.

At the end of the day, authenticity and professionalism aren’t enemies. The best leaders bring their full selves to work—but they do it with intention, knowing that how they show up impacts everyone around them.

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Where do you draw the line between being real and being professional? Let’s talk in the comments!

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Would you like to discuss it live? Contact me.

David. Hermann is a transformative healthcare executive and strategist with a remarkable ability to catalyze organizational growth and efficiency. As a trusted advisor to C-suite executives, David has led initiatives resulting in more than $500 million in documented financial improvements for his clients. A recognized thought leader, he has delivered 60+ speaking engagements, authored numerous publications, and ranks in the top 1% of Consulting Voices on LinkedIn, making him a go-to expert in strategy, change leadership and operations.