It’s nearly Christmas, so I’ll keep this lesson short:
When I ran 8-week Prod MBA bootcamps, there were always times where I wasn’t feeling on top of my game:
I had a cold
I’d be on holiday & have to squeeze in a workshop call
I hadn’t slept well
Or I was in Brazil & had to wake up at 4am for a (9am UK) morning workshop
If “authentic” Henry showed up, he’d probably complain about being tired!
Probably make excuses about delivering a crap workshop! Turn up late!
Or whinge to our students for 5 mins at the beginning of the call!
But I didn’t.
I didn’t because I was expected by our paying clients to deliver value in that workshop — they had paid for that value — and I expected myself to live up to that value we promised.
The Dangers of Being “Authentic”
Modern culture pushes this idea that we should always be authentic.
”Just be you.”
“If you’re not feeling up to something, just cancel. Or don’t worry about putting effort in”, they say.
Yet how many of these people are effective leaders?
How many push that message when there are no stakes on the table?
Zero.
Instead, leadership means showing up. It means delivering value — whatever you might be feeling, whatever the circumstances, whatever is going on in your life.
A certain polished, organised, effective version of you must show up to every interaction.
If you’ve organised a meeting, make it an effective meeting with a schedule, a clear outcome, clear next steps afterwards.
If you’re doing a presentation, don’t just lazily read through the slides. Tell stories. Inspire. Engage.
If you’re interviewing a candidate, be fully present. Take time to read their profile thoroughly. Prepare your questions. Respect their time by putting in the work.
Because ultimately?
Leadership is a choice.
Nobody forced you to take the job.
Nobody forced you to volunteer for that presentation.
Nobody pressured you into putting your hand up.
When you decide to lead others, that decision is on you — and it comes with a responsibility to lead effectively, whatever the circumstances.
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Merry Christmas to you Henry. Sounds like the authentic you is honourable and doesn't like to complain.