BlueSky Thinking Summary

Authentic leadership is appreciated more, and new research out of the Kellogg School finds it includes acknowledgment of: personal shortcomings that boost perceptions of authenticity without eroding perceived competence.

Led by Maryam Kouchaki and colleagues, the project reveals that divesting or exposing chinks in one's armor—fear of being in the front row of a theatre hall or speaking during a public speaking session—renders leaders more authentic, knowledgeable, and likable.

This effect held true across various experiments involving video messages and in-person interactions, disapproving the belief that leaders should always appear strong.

Employees would rather work with leaders who admit their weaknesses but also thought of them as more genuine, and this willingness increased an offer to collaborate further.

The research brings out the strategic value of authentic leadership, where modest admissions of imperfection can aid in the building of trust and improve the effectiveness of leadership.

Embracing vulnerability is not just about keeping it real, but it is one of the conclusive mechanisms that makes for effective leadership in today's workplace.