Authenticity as an Excuse in Leadership

The Rocky Garza Show

In this episode, I confront a common mistake I see among 8 and 9-figure CEOs: using authenticity as an excuse to avoid personal growth and responsibility. I discuss how leaders often claim "this is just who I am" to defend behavior that could be harmful to their organizations and teams. Instead of seeing authenticity as a shield, I challenge leaders to view it as a responsibility—to take ownership of who they are and how they lead. Authenticity should never be used as an excuse for irresponsibility.

Key Quotes

• "Authenticity should be a personal responsibility, not a liability to the organization."
• "Where in your life as a leader are you claiming authenticity, when in fact you should be claiming irresponsibility?"
• "Leading with authenticity means taking full responsibility for who you are, not using it as an excuse for bad behavior."

The Common Mistake of Using Authenticity as an Excuse

Many leaders of large organizations fall into the trap of using authenticity to justify their unwillingness to change. Phrases like, "This is just who I am" or "I lead this way because it's always worked" are often used to avoid making adjustments that could improve their leadership. I’ve seen this repeatedly in both founder-led businesses and larger corporations. When authenticity becomes a barrier to personal development, it turns into a liability, stalling the growth of both the leader and the organization.

Redefining Authenticity in Leadership

I argue that authenticity in leadership should be redefined. Authenticity is not about sticking rigidly to who you are, but rather about taking full responsibility for yourself as a leader. True authentic leaders constantly evaluate their behaviors and make necessary changes to better serve their teams and organizations. Leaders who embody this are not afraid to adjust their approach or admit when they need help.

Irresponsible Leadership vs. Authentic Leadership

Too often, leaders use their authenticity as a defense mechanism, which ultimately leads to irresponsibility. I share examples from organizations where leaders refuse to adjust their behavior or train others because they claim their way is the only way. These leaders may seem authentic, but their refusal to change creates a toxic environment and limits the growth of those around them.

Are You Leading from Authenticity or Irresponsibility?

I challenge you to reflect on your own leadership. Are there areas where you claim to be acting out of authenticity, but in reality, you're avoiding responsibility? Authentic leadership means taking accountability for your actions and how they impact others. It’s about recognizing where change is necessary and leading by example.

The 365 Formula and Personal Responsibility

Authenticity ties into the 365 Formula I discussed in a previous episode. Leaders who commit to proactive daily steps—small, consistent actions—can better align themselves with the personal responsibility that comes with being an authentic leader. I encourage you to adopt a similar approach to your leadership: look for ways to take responsibility, rather than making excuses for your behavior.

Resources Mentioned

• Website: Rocky Garza
• Upcoming Virtual Event: rockygarza.com/beyondsuccess

Key Time Stamps

00:00 The Number 1 Mistake of CEOs

00:37 Welcome to the Rocky Garza Show

01:39 The Common Pitfall of Leaders

04:19 Authenticity vs. Irresponsibility

06:05 A Real-World Example

07:57 Challenge to Leaders

10:40 Final Thoughts and Call to Action

To join Rocky for his next free virtual event, go to https://rockygarza.com/beyondsuccess
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/trgs/donations