Führung: „Die besten Chefs sind Meister der strategischen Natürlichkeit“

Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic, a professor at University College London, criticizes the widely promoted phrase "Be yourself" in many companies. He argues that the idea of unfiltered self-expression at work is unprofessional and impractical. Successful professionals, on the other hand, adjust their behavior based on the context, goal, and person they are dealing with.

Emotional intelligence, which involves understanding how one's behavior affects others and consciously controlling it, is key to success in any job. Firms should not expect employees to know their managers' inner thoughts; rather, employees should evaluate their leaders' decision-making, communication, and reactions in high-pressure situations.

Successful leaders are masters of strategic authenticity – they appear genuine without being insincere. They control impulses, moderate their words, and still maintain authenticity. The best leaders know when to edit their impulses and still appear authentic. For instance, if a team member proudly presents a project result, a direct reaction like "That can't be right" might demotivate the colleague.

A professional response would be to acknowledge the effort while identifying areas for improvement. This approach generates trust, as it demonstrates clear feedback that empowers others to take action. The crucial difference lies in how people perceive authenticity. It's not about feeling authentic; it's about whether others perceive you as genuine.

As a leader, you must decide what to prioritize – staying true to your values or putting the team's needs first. In today's world, where CEOs are expected to express opinions on everything from politics to climate change, it's essential to accept that one might be wrong and remain open to learning from others.