Truthfulness vs. Authenticity in Business Leadership

Is it better to be truthful or authentic as a leader?

Is there a difference between the two?

Should one be a priority over the other?

Is one a function of the other?

Before today, I don’t think I would ever have given these questions a moment’s thought. However, after a rich and deep discussion as part of a business leadership workshop, I discovered some great material to share in this blog.

Origin of Conversation

In debriefing a scenario of Accountability in one of our digital Business Leadership simulations, one of our participants disagreed with the feedback we had provided that suggested one of the most important behaviors of a leader is to be authentic. In the context of holding others accountable, being authentic means being natural, engaging in proactive coaching and feedforward, and having an unparalleled sense of realism. Our participant argued that while that is nice and helpful, a good leader must start with a foundation of truthfulness before anything else. She suggested that being truthful is different than being authentic.

Defining Truthfulness and Authenticity

Defining truthfulness versus authenticity as a leader involves understanding their nuances and how they play distinct but complementary roles in being an effective leader

Being Authentic as a Leader

Definition: Authenticity is about aligning your actions, words, and decisions with your core values, beliefs, and personality. It involves being genuine and consistent in everything you do.

Focus: Internal alignment and consistency.

Example: A leader who values inclusivity ensures that their behaviors and organizational policies reflect that value, even when it’s challenging.

Impact: Builds trust by demonstrating that you are not putting on a “show” or trying to be someone you’re not.

Being Truthful as a Leader

Definition: Truthfulness is about sharing facts and honest perspectives without distortion or manipulation. It is about being open and transparent in communication.

Focus: External accuracy and honesty.

Example: A leader who provides clear and honest feedback to a team member about their performance—even if the message is difficult to hear—while also being constructive.

Impact: Establishes credibility and reliability, ensuring others can trust the information you share.

Key Differences

How They Intersect in Business Leadership

Authenticity provides the foundation for truthfulness. When leaders are authentic, their truthfulness carries more weight because it is perceived as coming from a place of integrity and alignment with their values. Similarly, being truthful reinforces authenticity by showing that a leader’s values include honesty and respect for others.

For example, when delivering difficult news, an authentic leader ensures their message reflects their genuine concern for others, while a truthful leader ensures the message is clear and fact-based. Together, these qualities inspire trust, respect, and loyalty.