The power of strategic authenticity
Newsletter in Brief:
We will bust some myth about authenticity and strategy and look at ways to embrace the concept I refer to as "strategic authenticity".
This is a bi-weekly newsletter that shares strategies and actionable steps for self-mastery, leadership and my personal reflections and professional updates. Subscribe here!
Build your influence using strategic authenticity principle
We’ve been sold two extremes - be brutally honest or play the part. But real influence lives in the space between: knowing who you are and choosing how to show up with purpose.
The myth-busting guide to Strategic Authenticity
There are so many myths surrounding two simple concepts: being authentic and being strategic.
Many hear the word "authentic" and think it's permission to do anything one wishes. They take this as an excuse for inappropriate actions, unfiltered language, oversharing, or abandoning any strategy to be 'real.'
The word "strategic" often sends many to the wobbly road of being 'manipulative' - if you are strategic, you must be manipulating. Or the other end of the spectrum: "I need to appear confident, so I will never show any vulnerability."
Well, my dear readers, there is another way. It is called: strategically authentic.
What does that mean?
Making conscious, intentional choices about how to show up as your true self in ways that create maximum positive impact.
It can be impact in your relationships, your work, your purpose and mission, or your community.
Being strategically authentic means you've done enough inner work to know who you are, and enough strategic thinking to know how to deploy that authentically to achieve your mission, vision and goals.
The science behind Strategic Authenticity
Research from Harvard Business Review shows that neuroscience offers compelling evidence for authentic leadership, particularly through the brain chemical oxytocin, which is shown to facilitate collaboration and teamwork. When leaders show up authentically, they literally trigger biological responses that build trust and connection.
Article here.
Further studies demonstrate that authentic leadership is positively associated with trust in the leader and flourishing, and that authentic leaders can enhance respect, dignity, integrity, and trust among followers.
Perhaps most compelling: research has shown that embracing vulnerability can be a powerful tool for leaders, increasing trust, empathy, and authenticity in their relationships with team members.
Or watch the TEDx talk by Brene Brown,researcher and storyteller who has spent past two decades studying courage, vulnerability, shame, and empathy.
Understanding authenticity through levels of self-awareness and adaptation.
How does one show up with this type of authenticity?
By making intentional choices aligned to our ideal path that serves our purpose.
While the ways are endless, here are a few examples:
Intentional vulnerability - choosing when and how to be open in ways that build trust and connection,
Values-driven decisions - using your core values as your strategic compass,
Contextual authenticity - adapting your communication style to the situation while staying true to your essence.
People can sense when you're performing versus when you're being real.
So what are some of the outcomes associated with strategic authenticity?
People will follow you as they follow leaders they believe in and such authenticity builds deeper trust,
Your influence becomes sustainable as you are not exhausted from always acting, you are leading based on who you are while intentionally selecting the most appropriate responses to match your impact with your intent,
Eventually this type of leadership draws people towards you because authenticity is compelling, and it is magnetic.
Let’s look at some real-life examples.
1. Reorganization Scenario. A senior executive is under pressure to deliver results after a re-org. Here are different mindsets the leader could embrace.
Old-school Authenticity: “I’m stressed and frustrated. I don’t see how we’re going to pull this off and I will share this openly.”
Traditional Strategy: “Everything’s fine. Let’s stay focused, do the work, this is not about emotions.”
Strategically Authentic: “This is a tough phase, and I’m feeling the weight of it. I also believe in this team and feel the stress and range of emotions. I know we can figure out a way forward – together and let me communicate both: the emotions and strategy.”
Inner Core in play: Clarity about emotion, courage to name it, conviction to stay solution-focused.
2. The Feedback Conversation. A leader needs to give difficult feedback to a high performer.
Old-school Authenticity: “You’re making this really hard for everyone. We need to talk.”
Traditional Strategy: “You’re doing great, but let’s fine-tune a few things.” (sugarcoated)
Strategically Authentic: “You bring a lot of value to this organization, and I would like for you to continue doing your best work. There’s a pattern I'd like to surface that’s affecting collaboration. I’m sharing this because I see your potential and want to support your growth. This is the pattern…”
Inner Core in play: Emotional attunement, aligned expression, courageous honesty.
3. The Leadership Transition A newly promoted leader feels imposter syndrome stepping into a visible role.
Old-school Authenticity: “I don’t think I’m ready. I feel like a fraud. I have to let my manager/colleagues know and I can't step up for this project.”
Traditional Strategy: “Fake it ‘til you make it. Show no weakness.”
Strategically Authentic: “This role stretches me and I’m excited to learn and grow into it. I’m here to listen, lead, and serve, and I hope to earn your trust.”
Inner Core in play: Ownership of identity, humility without lowering your self-worth, intentional vulnerability.
A story of Strategic Authenticity in action
Consider Satya Nadella's transformation of Microsoft. When he became CEO in 2014, he could have followed the traditional tech CEO playbook: project invincibility, never admit mistakes, maintain the competitive culture.
Instead, he chose empathy, curiosity while being strategically authentic. He openly acknowledged Microsoft's missteps, admitted he didn't have all the answers, and shared his personal journey of learning empathy through his son's cerebral palsy diagnosis. This wasn't oversharing (where the strategic + authentic comes in) - it was intentional vulnerability that served a larger purpose.
The result?
Microsoft's market value increased from $300 billion to over $2 trillion under his leadership. His strategic authenticity didn't make him weak - it made him magnetic.
The legendary management guru Peter Drucker said:
"Culture eats strategy for breakfast."
I would like to add:
"Authenticity digests culture for lunch."
Because even the strongest culture crumbles when leaders aren't genuinely embodying what they preach.
Reflection Corner
The real question isn't how to achieve the influence you want. The real question is: who do you need to become to naturally create it?
The real question isn't when you'll gain the influence you aspire to. The real question is: how committed are you to becoming the leader who role models it for others.
The real question isn't how to become louder so the world can hear your ideas. The real question is: how can you master yourself deeper and connect wider to build influence from the inside out?
Your turn
Ready to develop your own strategic authenticity?
The journey begins with understanding who you are at your core - and then learning how to deploy that truth in service of your desired impact.
Curious to learn more? I am always genuinely happy to hear from and to connect with my readers. Just reach out.
Takeaway for Leaders:
Authenticity isn’t impulsive, it’s intentional.
It’s not about saying everything you feel. It’s about aligning your expression with your impact.Strategic doesn’t mean manipulative.
It means thoughtful. Purpose-driven. Clear about the “why” behind your choices.Influence starts from the inside out.
When you lead from clarity, courage, and conviction, you don’t need to fake presence, you embody it.
Be BOLD and GO BEYOND!
Connect with me and my work:
For more articles, tips, and insights, connect with me on LinkedIn and ring the bell on my LinkedIn profile to be notified every time I share my top tips.
Reach out to me directly at hello@sanitapukite.com if you have a need for executive leadership or transitions coaching, workshop facilitation or leadership development for your organisation.
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BEYOND is a state of continuous growth and transformation. It’s about stepping out of the ordinary, redefining what’s possible, and leading boldly. Here, we explore leadership fundamentals - self-awareness, presence, mindset, behaviors, strategic decision-making and influence. BEYOND is for those who refuse to lead within expectations and instead choose to go further, think bigger, and make a lasting impact. Subscribe to this newsletter here.