What happens when leaders are open and honest

When you’re open and honest, and reveal something of yourself, you get a deeper connection with your audience.

Last night I watched an interview with Sir Keir Starmer, leader of the UK’s Labour party, on Sky News. The host of the show Sophie Ridge told us she’d always found the Labour leader impenetrable. But in this interview she’d really got to know who he was and what makes him tick.

In the interview (video below) Sir Keir spoke openly and honestly about the difficult relationship he’d had with his father when growing up. How - because his mother had been so ill and required so much support - his father had not shown much interest in him. How we wished he’d made peace with his father before he passed away. And how his experiences inform how he shows up as a father today.

It was a breath of fresh air - a revealing moment in contrast to the usual scripted answers by politicians.

When I’m working with leaders in organisations I encourage them to share a personal story with their audience in order to bring their ideas and values to life. When you are open and honest, and reveal a vulnerability, it builds trust and emotional engagement with your audience.

Last night on Sky News we got a glimpse of the man behind the job title - and that’s the humanising power of sharing your story.