The Ship of Theseus: Lessons in Authenticity for Leaders

The Ship of Theseus: Lessons in Authenticity for Leaders

By Mark Wager

To be successful, leaders must develop and learn how to perform tasks they may not be comfortable with—whether it’s dealing with a poorly performing colleague or delivering a presentation. This often requires adopting a persona that may not feel natural, raising the question of whether the leader is staying authentic. This is a challenge all leaders face, so to address it, I will introduce you to the thought experiment known as the Ship of Theseus. We will explore what this experiment teaches us about authenticity, how it relates to leadership, and finally, what you can do to remain your authentic self while leading.

The Ship of Theseus is a classic thought experiment that has fascinated philosophers for centuries. It poses a seemingly simple question: if a ship has all its parts replaced over time, is it still the same ship? This question, while rooted in ancient philosophy, offers profound insights for modern leaders, particularly those grappling with the concept of authenticity in their roles. As leadership demands evolve, so too does the identity of the leader. The challenge lies in remaining true to one’s core values while adapting to change.

The Ship of Theseus Explained

The thought experiment originates from ancient Greece and involves the legendary ship of Theseus, a hero of Athenian mythology. According to the story, Theseus’s ship was preserved by the Athenians, who gradually replaced its decaying parts with new ones. Eventually, every part of the ship was replaced. This leads to the philosophical question: is the ship, after all the replacements, still the original ship of Theseus?

This experiment raises questions about identity, continuity, and change. If something can undergo significant transformation and yet retain its identity, how does this apply to people, especially leaders who must navigate constant change in their roles?

The Leader’s Dilemma: Authenticity vs. Adaptation

Leaders today face a similar dilemma. As they progress in their careers, they often find themselves in situations that require them to adapt, change, and grow. This might involve adopting new leadership styles, learning new skills, or even changing fundamental beliefs to align with the evolving needs of their teams and organisations. The challenge is maintaining a sense of authenticity—remaining true to who they are—amidst these changes.

The fear of losing authenticity is real. Many leaders worry that by changing, they may become someone entirely different, perhaps even someone they do not recognise. This fear can lead to resistance to change, potentially stifling personal and professional growth. However, the Ship of Theseus teaches us that identity is not static but rather a continuous process of becoming.

Authenticity as a Dynamic Process

The Ship of Theseus encourages leaders to view authenticity not as a fixed trait but as a dynamic process. Just as the ship remains Theseus’s ship despite its changes, a leader can remain authentic even as they evolve. Authenticity, in this sense, is about staying true to one’s core values while being open to transformation.

This perspective allows leaders to embrace change without fear of losing themselves. It encourages them to see adaptation as an integral part of their authenticity, rather than a departure from it. In other words, leaders can be true to themselves while still evolving to meet the demands of their role.

Balancing Continuity and Change

One of the key lessons from the Ship of Theseus is the importance of balancing continuity and change. Leaders must identify the core elements of their identity that should remain constant, such as their values, principles, and purpose. These core elements act as the “original planks” of the ship—essential components that define who they are.

At the same time, leaders must recognise that certain aspects of their leadership style, skills, and even perspectives may need to change over time. These changes are akin to replacing the ship’s decaying parts—necessary for growth and relevance. The challenge is ensuring that these changes align with the leader’s core identity, rather than contradicting it.

To achieve this balance, leaders can engage in regular self-reflection, asking themselves questions like: “What are my core values?” “How have I changed as a leader?” “Are these changes aligned with who I truly am?” This reflective practice helps leaders stay grounded in their authenticity while remaining flexible enough to adapt to new challenges.

Building a Purpose-Driven Identity

Another lesson from the Ship of Theseus is the importance of building a purpose-driven identity. The ship’s identity is tied to its purpose—honouring Theseus’s legacy. Similarly, a leader’s identity should be rooted in their purpose, which acts as a guiding star amidst the ever-changing demands of leadership.

Purpose-driven leaders are more likely to maintain a sense of authenticity because their actions and decisions are aligned with a greater mission. This purpose acts as a constant, even as the leader’s methods and approaches evolve. It provides a foundation upon which leaders can build and rebuild their identities, much like the Athenians did with the ship of Theseus.

For leaders struggling with authenticity, reconnecting with their purpose can be a powerful way to regain a sense of self. By focusing on the impact they want to have and the legacy they wish to leave, leaders can ensure that their changes and adaptations are purposeful and authentic.

Leading with Integrity and Transparency

The Ship of Theseus also highlights the importance of integrity and transparency in leadership. Just as the Athenians were transparent about the changes to the ship, leaders should be open about their growth and evolution. Authentic leaders do not hide their transformations but rather embrace them as part of their journey.

Transparency builds trust, as it shows that leaders are not trying to present a false or static version of themselves. Instead, they are honest about their development and the reasons behind it. This openness allows team members to see the leader’s authenticity in action, fostering a deeper connection and sense of trust.

Moreover, integrity is key to maintaining authenticity during change. Leaders must ensure that their actions, even as they evolve, remain aligned with their core values. This alignment is what makes a leader truly authentic, regardless of the changes they undergo.

The Continuous Journey of Authentic Leadership

The Ship of Theseus offers valuable lessons for leaders who are struggling with authenticity. It challenges the notion that authenticity is about remaining unchanged and instead presents it as a dynamic process of becoming. Leaders can remain true to themselves while adapting to new circumstances by focusing on their core values, embracing purpose, and leading with integrity and transparency.

Authenticity is not about resisting change but about ensuring that change is aligned with one’s true self. Just as the ship of Theseus remained the same ship despite its transformations, leaders can remain authentic even as they evolve. The key is to view authenticity as a continuous journey rather than a fixed destination.

By embracing this perspective, leaders can navigate the complexities of their roles with confidence, knowing that they can grow and change while staying true to who they are. The journey of authentic leadership, like the Ship of Theseus, is one of constant renewal—a journey that ultimately leads to greater impact and fulfilment.

About the Author

A strong believer in taking complex leadership & psychological theories and making them accessible to people regardless of their background, education or industry Mark has helped develop Leaders from some of the Asia-Pacific region’s top organisations such as Amnesty International, NZ Red Cross, Habitat, Heartland Bank, the NZ Rugby League, the Blues, the Catholic Church, Weta workshops and many more.

Are you a manager struggling with poor-performing staff, team motivation, or effective delegation? As an experienced leadership Coach with over 30 thirty years managerial experience Mark Wager specialises in helping managers like you tackle these challenges head-on. Imagine transforming your team’s performance, boosting morale, and mastering delegation, so you’re not shouldering all the work. With tailored strategies and personalised support, Mark will empower you to lead with confidence and ease. 

Work together to unlock your full potential and create a thriving, productive workplace. Reach out today and take the first step towards exceptional leadership. Contact Mark for a free 30 minute strategy session