Self-awareness, self-confidence, and unflagging respect for others mark authentic leaders.
In today's increasingly complex world, effective leadership requires more than mastery of skills and strategies. The core of outstanding leadership is authenticity. It is the bedrock for solid relationships, effective communication, ethical behavior, and sustainable success.
Yet authentic leadership is still rare. A study by the Berkely Haas School suggests that this shortage of authentic leaders is due to overconfidence and feelings of infallibility that often accompany power.
Moreover, society still places value on conformity, and organizational cultures frequently make uniformity a high priority.
Nevertheless, in a world where trust is paramount, authentic and transparent leadership is not just a nice-to-have quality but an essential one. Therefore, to become a great leader, you must embrace authenticity.
You may be wondering how authentic leaders show up. The concept is broad, and you may question what it means for you in your day-to-day leadership.
Here are some descriptions and examples of authentic leadership at work:
Authentic Leaders Are Transparent
Authentic leaders do not adopt personas to fit certain molds. Instead, they bring real character to their roles.
Rather than putting on a façade, authentic leaders openly share their personal stories and experiences, creating a sense of connection and relatability with their team members.
They do not let hidden agendas or ulterior motives drive their decisions.
They avoid conforming to others' opinions. Yet they always show respect for those with different beliefs.
Authentic Leaders Are at Ease with Vulnerability
Authentic leaders embrace vulnerability because they understand its power to foster trust, connection, and growth within themselves and their teams.
Most significantly, they understand the appropriate context and timing for vulnerability. Productive vulnerability requires a delicate balance between openness and maintaining professional boundaries.
For example, influential leaders share personal stories, experiences, and challenges sincerely and accurately. They are willing to disclose their mistakes, failures, and lessons learned without seeking pity or sympathy but to foster learning and growth.
However, they do not burden others with extensive and intimate details of their problems.
They practice productive vulnerability.
Authentic Leaders Communicate Their Purpose and Vision
Genuine leaders inspire others with their commitment to a purpose. And they remain faithful to their values, despite any personal costs.
And while they are known for their ability to rally people to their side, they do not impose their values on others. Instead, they demonstrate a keen interest in diverse opinions and ideas.
They always show respect for others and are constantly looking for common ground.
They do not tolerate people who are duplicitous and manipulative. While they are masters of recognizing and regulating their emotions, they do not hesitate to speak out in the face of injustice or unethical behavior.
When confronted with toxic environments, they do their best to facilitate positive change. And in the absence of it, they remove themselves from the fray.
Authentic Leaders Build Cultures of Authenticity.
They lead by example and create spaces where others feel comfortable being themselves. These leaders encourage open and honest communication.
The creation of psychological safety is a priority for these leaders. They want all to feel at ease expressing their thoughts, opinions, and concerns without fear of judgment or negative repercussions. This kind of culture enables authenticity to thrive.
Accountability is key within an authentic culture. Leaders hold themselves and others accountable for their actions, decisions, and results. They do not hesitate to answer for their choices. Likewise, they encourage all to take ownership of their work.
To build transparency into the culture, they involve their teams in decision-making. They seek their input, and they value diverse perspectives. This inclusive approach fosters employee engagement as individuals feel valued, heard, and empowered to contribute to the organization's goals.
Authentic Leaders Seek Transformative vs. Transactional Relationships
Authentic leaders recognize the value of meaningful relationships. They engage in relational or transformative rather than transactional interactions.
Transactional relationships typically focus on exchanging goods, services, or favors with little emphasis on building deeper connections or long-term mutual growth.
On the other hand, authentic leaders seek a genuine connection built on trust and a focus on the mutual well-being and development of all involved. This approach to relationships includes empathy, active listening, and a desire for reciprocal understanding and support.
Authentic leaders prioritize nurturing meaningful connections, which can lead to personal and professional growth, collaboration, and shared success.
Authentic leadership emphasizes self-awareness, personal growth, and a genuine concern for the well-being and development of others. It involves being true to oneself, displaying transparency and integrity, and fostering positive relationships with those you lead.
While it may be rare to find leaders who genuinely embody authentic leadership, those who possess these qualities significantly impact their organizations and the people they lead. Consider embracing authenticity for your leadership.
