10/08/2025

When Authentic Leadership Backfires

Feeling authentic does not equate to being perceived as talented

In his new book, Don’t Be Yourself: Why Authenticity Is Overrated (and What to Do Instead) (Harvard Business Review Press, 2025), Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic explores the surprising science of why being authentic holds you back. Here’s an adapted excerpt. 

Once a niche concept from existential philosophy, authenticity is now one of the most overused clichés in self-help books, corporate culture slogans and leadership manifestos.

As I illustrate in my latest book, Don't Be Yourself: Why Authenticity Is Overrated (and What to Do Instead), we are repeatedly told to "just be ourselves," "follow our hearts," "be true to our values" and "bring our whole selves to work," especially in the Western world. It is hard to attend a leadership seminar, read a business book, listen to a work-related podcast or scroll through LinkedIn without bumping into some well-meaning homily about authenticity.

Please select this link to read the complete article from Harvard Business Review.