Is it just me, or do you find it weird that some people try to create the illusion that

• they are always in control
• they are always right
• they are always confident
• they always know exactly what to do.

If you are a leader who promotes this illusion you are risking people not engaging with you. This could be because they know you are not perfect, but you still try to kid them that you are. Or, it could be that as a result of the ‘perfect image’ that you promote, they are intimidated by you. Either way, they are not likely to truly follow you.

Strong leaders aren’t afraid to

• admit they got it wrong, but they learn from the mistake and go again
• confess that they sometimes don’t know what to do, but they ask for others’ input
• reveal that they too sometimes second guess themselves
• ask for help.

Showing vulnerability from time to time will demonstrate your authenticity as a leader. People get that, they like that and they follow authentic leaders.