What is Authentic Leadership?
It’s easiest to understand authentic leadership when you consider inauthentic leadership. You’ve probably seen it.
Inauthentic leaders might do things like:
- Act completely differently depending on the audience
- Focusing on titles and authority, instead of actual results
- Making decisions with incomplete information or ignoring contrary information
- Abusing trust to manipulate people in order to get results
- Neglecting to include the team in decision-making
Inauthentic leaders are often motivated by their own short-term gains, rather than their long-term value for their teams, organizations, and communities. These are the kinds of people you know (and probably dislike) who claw themselves to the top of organizational charts and have no regard for whom they step on while on their way to the top.
Authentic leadership, on the other hand, is based on being true to yourself. Authentic leaders are honest, transparent, and consistent, something that every leadership development program strives to work towards.
These kinds of leaders are driven by their values and vision instead of their own needs. They are self-aware and open to constructive feedback and different points of view.
The most effective leadership is, fundamentally, authentic leadership. Why? Because the best leaders base their principles that guide them on key values like honesty, integrity, respect, and fairness. These values guide authentic leaders in their decision-making processes and interactions with others. They understand that they are not perfect, and they are willing to admit their mistakes and learn from them.
Some key characteristics of authentic leaders include:
- A strong sense of self-awareness, understanding their strengths, weaknesses, and emotions, while also keeping close watch on the needs of others
- A commitment to personal growth and self-improvement, constantly seeking feedback and learning opportunities
- A clear vision and purpose, with the ability to inspire and motivate others to work towards a common goal, helping other leaders emulate their way of leading
- A focus on building genuine relationships and trust, by being open, honest, and transparent, building trust among team members and between teams
- A willingness to make tough decisions, even when unpopular, based on their values and beliefs, all while maintaining a healthy commitment to the organization
- Demonstrating empathy and compassion, considering the good of others before their own
Understanding the Benefits of Being Authentic
Even just reading those items, you’re probably thinking, “I’d love to work for someone like that.” Indeed, working for an authentic leader can be a life-changing, life-shaping experience.
Working for a truly authentic leader can accelerate your own leadership growth, as great leaders help other leaders become men and women who create lasting value for the world.
What are some of the distinct benefits of being an authentic leader?
Improved Trust and Team Relationships
Authentic leaders build genuine connections with their team members by being open, honest, and transparent. This fosters a trusting environment where employees feel comfortable sharing their ideas, challenges, and concerns. As a result, teams are more collaborative, cohesive, and productive.
Their words and actions are aligned, setting the tone for teams that all feel like they can bring their true self to work.
Unfortunately, many leaders make decisions that reflect on a lack of integrity, opting to put self above others. Great leaders don’t compromise authentic behavior for entrepreneurial success.
Increased Employee Engagement and Satisfaction
When employees work under authentic leadership, they are more likely to feel respected, valued, and inspired. They are more committed to their work and the organization’s mission, which leads to higher levels of job satisfaction and overall engagement.
Team members feel like they can both give and receive honest feedback, giving them a greater sense of purpose and belonging at work.
Better Decision-Making and Problem-Solving
Authentic leaders approach decision-making with a focus on their values and the long-term interests of their team and organization. This approach encourages open discussions, consideration of diverse perspectives, and a thorough analysis of available information. Authentic leaders ask important, yet simple, questions like, “What am I missing here? Who else needs to contribute to this discussion?”
Consequently, authentic leaders are more likely to make well-informed, thoughtful decisions that address the root causes of problems and promote sustainable solutions.
Enhanced Adaptability and Resilience
Authentic leaders are open to change and adaptation, understanding the importance of flexibility in today’s rapidly-evolving world. They are more likely to embrace new ideas and technologies, as well as encourage their teams to do so. This adaptability fosters resilience and helps the organization navigate challenges and uncertainties more effectively.
Authentic leaders know that strategic planning is critical, but the flexibility to change course is also critical in the twenty-first century. Others see this ability to be adaptable, which helps provide more motivation tome the best at whatever the market throws at your organization.
Higher Levels of Innovation and Creativity
By promoting a trusting and supportive atmosphere, authentic leaders empower their teams to experiment, take risks, and think outside the box. This environment nurtures creativity and allows for more innovative teams that are willing to press the boundaries.
Leaders face a constantly shifting marketplace today. Thus, they need to energize their team to become passionate about their work and bring all of their creativity and ideas to the table.
Building a Lasting Foundation of Authenticity
Being authentic as a leader is challenging. There’s no way around it.
Some of the most core challenges are internal, such as overcoming the fear of vulnerability or the pressure to conform to expectations.
It can be scary to bring your personal story into the workplace or to be authentic without becoming inappropriate. Yet, this is really not a tradeoff that you should have to make.
Other core challenges are external, such as navigating organizational politics or balancing the needs and priorities of different stakeholders.
For instance, how can you create shareholder value while also caring about the life story of every member of your team? How can you balance employee wellbeing and maximize profits? The answer to both of these is that there is no shortcut to long-lasting, sustainable profits. You have to invest in your people even as you expand your market presence.
Despite these challenges, it is possible to develop and maintain a strong foundation of authenticity in your leadership style. Here are some steps to help you get started:
- Engage in regular self-reflection: Take the time to assess your values, beliefs, motivations, strengths, and weaknesses. This self-awareness will provide the foundation for your authentic leadership style.
- Seek constant feedback and growth opportunities: Be open to feedback from others, both positive and constructive, and use it to fuel your growth as a leader. Actively pursue learning opportunities, such as professional development programs, workshops, and mentorships.
- Develop a clear vision and purpose: Identify your personal and professional goals, and create a compelling vision that aligns with your values. Share this vision with your team, and inspire them to join you in working towards achieving it.
- Build genuine relationships and trust with your team: Be open, honest, and transparent in your interactions with others. Actively listen to their concerns, ideas, and perspectives, and show empathy and compassion in your responses.
- Make values-based decisions: Always consider your core values when making decisions, and be willing to stand by those decisions even when they are unpopular or difficult. This will demonstrate your integrity and help to build trust with your team.
If you begin with these simple, regular practices, you’ll be far along your journey to building a lasting foundation of leadership authenticity.
Utilizing Authenticity to Inspire Others
Authenticity isn’t just important because it helps you actually lead with integrity, it also is a powerful source of inspiration and motivation for others that you lead.
Ethical leadership is inspiring. Plain and simple. A work environment where leader and follower alike are held to the same consistent standards is one that leads everyone to fully show up every day.
When you choose to be authentic in your interactions with others, you inspire them to be their true selves as well. By being open and honest about your thoughts and feelings, you give others permission to do the same.
By embracing your unique qualities and quirks, you encourage others to do the same. So don’t be afraid to show your true colors! Let your authenticity shine and inspire those around you to do the same.
Leading by Example
As an authentic leader, you set an example for others to follow. When you demonstrate self-awareness, personal growth, clear vision, genuine relationships, and values-based decision-making, you inspire your team members to strive for the same level of authenticity in their own work and interactions.
Empowering and Encouraging Growth
Authentic leaders create an environment where team members feel supported and encouraged to grow, both personally and professionally. By acknowledging their strengths, addressing their weaknesses, and providing opportunities for development, you empower your team to reach their full potential.
Cultivating a Positive and Supportive Culture
Authentic leaders play a crucial role in shaping the organizational culture by promoting open communication, trust, collaboration, and respect. They enable team members to thrive and contribute their best efforts to the achievement of shared goals.
Strategies for Improving Authentic Leadership Skills
At this point you’re probably thinking, “Okay, I get it! Now what do I do about it? How do I actually become a more authentic leader?”
Thankfully, it’s not all that difficult. After all, becoming a more authentic leader is all about living out who you truly are. It’s not about becoming a different person.
With that in mind, here are a few practical ways to start growing in your authentic leadership (in addition to those mentioned above):
- Be vulnerable and share your personal experiences: By sharing your own struggles, successes, and lessons learned, you humanize yourself and create connections with your team. This encourages a supportive environment where everyone feels comfortable sharing their thoughts and ideas.
- Return to your values: Remember, authentic leadership is all about living out your values in the everyday grind of leadership. Remind yourself of these values on a monthly (if not weekly) basis. How is what you’re doing lining up with those values?
- Encourage dissenting opinions and feedback: Make it a point to seek out the opinions of those who disagree with you. This shows that you value diverse perspectives, and that you’re open to changing your mind. Be sure to respond to feedback with humility and a willingness to learn.
- Strive for consistency: Authentic leaders are consistent in their actions, decisions, and words. Make sure that what you say and do aligns with your values and vision. You can even ask for anonymous feedback from your team in this area.
There’s much more to authentic leadership, of course, but if you start here, you’ll be well on your way.
Conclusion
Genuine leadership, the kind that inspires greatness and evokes loyalty from subordinates, is firmly entrenched in self-awareness and candor. Indeed, it is a potent combination of these two qualities that engenders an atmosphere wherein workers feel empowered to express their thoughts and views with complete openness.
At its core, authentic leadership is about being honest with oneself before attempting to lead others. Leaders who have intimate knowledge of their strengths and weaknesses are better able to understand what they can bring to the table in any situation.