Leadership is most effective when it is authentic and ethical. It can be a temptation to try and fake authenticity by compromising ethics. Travis Waits explains the steps necessary to guide leaders towards authenticity in an ethical framework that is effective.

Blind spots disrupt authentic leadership because they are areas of challenge or growth that we are not able to see on our own. When receptive to feedback from others, leaders are able to strengthen their leadership ethic of authenticity.

At other times, when leaders intentionally put on a facade or mask, they hinder their effectiveness and ability for impact. Doing so actually stunts productive thinking, team culture, and effectiveness in authenticity.