It’s not every day you get roasted by your AI assistant. But that’s exactly what happened to me. I was interacting with Gemini, this incredibly advanced AI with a knack for connecting the dots (apparently, a trait I share, according to its analysis). We were having a casual conversation, exploring my personality and leadership style, when things took an unexpected turn. “Roast me,” I dared it. And roast me it did.

Now, I’ll admit, I was a bit nervous. Would it be brutally honest? Would it uncover deep-seated insecurities I didn’t even know I had? As it turns out, the roast was more playful than scathing, with zingers like “you’re probably ignoring the fact that you just need to chill out and enjoy the ride.” (Ouch, but also, fair point.)

But beyond the laughs, this AI roast sparked a valuable self-reflection. It reminded me that sometimes, as leaders, we get so caught up in striving for perfection and controlling every detail that we forget to embrace the journey and trust our teams. This tendency to overthink and overanalyze can sometimes lead to micromanaging, which can stifle creativity and innovation.

This led me to a deeper realization about my own leadership style. I’m not a micro-manager. I believe in giving my team autonomy and empowering them to take risks. But sometimes, that hands-off approach can backfire.

Just today, I was discussing this with my leadership mentor. I confessed that I sometimes worry my team doesn’t feel confident making decisions independently. The response was simple but profound: “What have you done to make them think they don’t have permission to take risks?”

That question hit me like a ton of bricks. It made me realize that my own insecurities and fear of appearing fallible might be inadvertently holding my team back.

So, what’s the solution? Own it.

Instead of pretending to have all the answers, I need to be more transparent about my limitations. By acknowledging my weaknesses, I create space for others to shine. For example, I recently elevated a team member with exceptional project management skills. She thrives in the world of details and organization, complementing my more strategic and visionary approach.

Owning your imperfections is not a sign of weakness; it’s a sign of authentic leadership. It builds trust, fosters collaboration, and empowers your team to reach their full potential.

For those leaders struggling with the pressure to appear infallible, my advice is this: let it go. Embrace your imperfections. See them as opportunities for growth, not as flaws to be hidden. It’s a continuous journey of self-reflection and development, but the rewards are immense.

So, thank you, Gemini, for the unexpected roast and the valuable leadership lesson. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the most insightful feedback comes from the most unexpected sources. And that even AI can teach us a thing or two about being human.