That may sound crazy. At Gump, we guide talents, teams and leaders to get closer to themselves. Self-aware leadership means: leading from within. Making choices based on who you really are. But... authenticity also has a dark side. In our programs, we hear it more and more: “I want to lead authentically.” But what does that actually mean? Say everything you think or feel? Always applying your preferred style? Then the 'authenticity trap' is looming. The risk that the desire to be “real” leads to self-imposed restrictions, downtime or behavior that is harmful to yourself or others. Authenticity then becomes not a force, but an excuse. To stay in your comfort zone. To avoid setbacks. Or to put your own needs above those of others. “.” “.” “ Always evolving. So authenticity without awareness is not leadership. Authentic leadership isn't an all-or-nothing game. Especially not when your so-called “self” becomes rigid. Then your core values will not become a compass, but old pain points. And you're more likely to see other people's behavior as wrong. Leadership requires a conscious balance between the polarities of authenticity and adaptability. The third way is authentic agility. Staying true to your core while adapting your behavior to what the situation requires. Flexible in shape, firm in intent.