Embracing Authentic Human Leadership: The Missing Link
- Marwaan Fredericks
- Sep 10, 2024
- 4 min read
In today’s conversations about leadership, the buzzwords we often hear are empathy, emotional intelligence, and resilience. These are critical skills, but I can’t help feeling that something is being overlooked—a deeper truth that most leaders have yet to fully embrace.
What I believe is truly missing from the modern leadership conversation is being human. And I don’t mean the occasional admission of imperfection or a rehearsed, sanitized version of being “authentic.” I’m talking about real, raw humanity—the kind that creates deep connections and builds trust.
The Myth of Perfect Leadership
Let’s face it: many leaders have been conditioned to believe they must always be in control, have the answers, and never show signs of weakness. It’s as if we’ve built this myth of the flawless leader—someone who can navigate any challenge without breaking a sweat, someone whose confidence is unshakable.
But here’s the thing: perfection is alienating. People can’t relate to perfection because it doesn’t exist in real life. When leaders try to uphold this image, they not only create distance between themselves and their teams but also set an unrealistic standard for everyone around them.
Yet the advice often given to leaders revolves around maintaining composure, staying strong, and keeping emotions in check. Rarely do we hear anyone say, "It’s okay to not have all the answers," or, "It’s okay to ask for help." And that’s where leadership is missing the mark.
Why Being Human is a Superpower
Being human isn’t weakness—it’s strength. It takes courage to stand in front of your team and say, “I don’t have all the answers, but I’m here to figure it out with you.” That kind of honesty is what builds trust. People don’t follow leaders because they’re perfect; they follow them because they’re human, relatable, and willing to grow alongside their teams.
When leaders allow themselves to be human, they create space for others to be human too. And that’s when real connections are formed. Humanity inspires openness, fosters collaboration, and cultivates an environment where people feel safe to bring their full selves to the table—flaws, fears, and all.
It’s not just about being transparent when things are easy. The real test of being human is when things are hard—when the pressure is on, when uncertainty looms, or when failure strikes. How a leader shows up in those moments says more than any speech or motivational email ever could.
The Fear of Being Seen
So, why do so many leaders resist being human?
Because it’s terrifying. Being human means being seen—really seen. It means admitting that you don’t have everything under control, that you’re still learning, that you, too, make mistakes. For many, that feels like an unacceptable risk.
But here's the paradox: the more we try to hide our humanity, the more distant and unapproachable we become. And when leaders become distant, they lose the very connection that makes them effective in the first place.
Leaders often think that by being human, they’ll lose respect. But the opposite is true. People respect leaders who are real, who aren’t afraid to show their humanity. Being human, when done with sincerity, is one of the most compelling qualities a leader can have. It invites trust and encourages people to bring their authentic selves to work, creating a culture of openness and collaboration.
Embracing Humanity in Leadership
So, how do you, as a leader, start to embrace being human? It doesn’t mean airing out every doubt or struggle to your team; it’s about striking a balance between confidence and openness. Here are a few ways to begin:
Admit When You Don’t Know: One of the hardest things for a leader to say is, “I don’t know.” But admitting uncertainty doesn’t make you less of a leader. In fact, it makes you more approachable. It signals to your team that you value honesty over ego.
Ask for Help: Leaders aren’t supposed to have all the answers. Great leadership often comes from asking the right questions. Seek input from your team. Collaborate. It not only builds trust but also empowers those around you to step up.
Acknowledge Your Emotions: You don’t have to be a robot to lead effectively. Share how you’re feeling, especially during challenging times. Let your team see your authentic reaction to success and failure. Your humanity will invite them to be open as well.
Own Your Mistakes: No one expects you to be perfect, but they do expect you to be accountable. When you make a mistake, own it. Apologize when necessary and use the experience as a learning opportunity. This shows that you're not afraid to grow and evolve.
Create a Culture of Humanity: Encourage your team to be open, too. When you model being human, you give others permission to do the same. Foster an environment where people can express doubts, share ideas, and take risks without fear of judgment.
The Real Measure of Leadership
At the end of the day, leadership isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about guiding people through uncertainty, showing up with courage, and being willing to learn along the way. Being human is not a liability—it’s a leadership superpower.
When you allow yourself to be human, you don’t just build stronger connections; you also create a more resilient, adaptable, and engaged team. That’s the kind of leadership that inspires people to follow not because they have to, but because they want to.
So, what are most leaders missing? The courage to be human. And once they embrace that, they’ll find that it changes everything.
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