Leadership Authenticity
5 Steps to Becoming A More Authentic Leader
A Simplified Approach
There are many opinions about what defines good leadership. A central tenant of these ideas focuses on authenticity and the need to thine own self be true. Typically, authentic leaders are uniquely genuine and share qualities that beget trust, take ownership for their failures or mistakes, and display a raw courage that affords them the natural ability to ask powerful questions at the right time.
Studies show that most employees believe that authenticity is the number one requirement for a leader. That’s no surprise considering that authenticity lets team members know what you’re expecting from them. Being authentic can also bring a level of personal connection essential to building trust and developing decent working relationships.
Authenticity is important because it affords people an ability to link the purpose or why behind leadership and effective outcomes. Connecting a person’s unique combination of characteristics, traits, skills, and style to his experiences creates a foundation ripe for ownership and courage.
Much of what makes a leader authentic are the things that come naturally. Otherwise, it wouldn’t be authentic, would it? However, some key factors can help enhance your authenticity and increase team effectiveness.
#1 - Always ask for feedback
Feedback comes first. Self-examination of both strengths and weakness is the only way to authenticity. And, as a leader, you may find that employee feedback is the only way to get to the bottom of these things. By continuing to harness positive feedback, you can remain authentic to the things you do well. But, by also facing up to opportunistic comments, you can address weaknesses and overcome them in an authentic way.
#2 - Accept that no leader is an island
Once you know your opportunities, it’s time to accept that no leader is an island. Admitting that you don’t have the tools you need to overcome these weaknesses on your own is vital. Otherwise, you may mistakenly adapt to cover these gaps in a way which isn’t true to you. Make sure that isn’t the case by getting help to implement authentic methods. A good tool for solutioning this would be to engage in leadership or executive coaching--both can help you raise awareness and develop authentic solutions. Equally, delegating the tasks you aren’t skilled in could help you to stay true while also meeting the needs of your team.
#3 - Understand your values
Values matter a lot to authenticity. These ensure you can develop a reliable and robust set of standards for your team. They can provide direction, as well as, ensuring that all-important authenticity in everything you do. Leadership coaching and self-reflection can help you realize your values. And, once you know what matters to you, you can apply it to everything you do. Then, whatever you do, be sure not to compromise those values with the management decisions you make.
#4 - Admit to your mistakes
Authentic leaders must ALWAYS own mistakes and opportunities. Too often, managers either shift the blame or outright deny it if they do something wrong or mess-up. That’s because there’s a misguided assumption that holding your hands up is a sign of weakness. But, that’s not the case. Authenticity is, after all, about being human. And, humans occasionally make errors. Instead of shifting blame or outright denying things, it’s vital to leadership development you fess up and own your opportunities. This will garner much more respect from your team than any denial ever could. It also shows that you’re an authentic person who isn’t afraid to admit that you don’t know everything.
#5 - Be open and share your story
That leads me to my last point, which is to be open and share your story. Like when we deny our mistakes, refusal to speak to our teams on a personal level compromises authenticity. How can your team know you’re being authentic, if they don’t know you? By sharing your story with team members, you can develop relationships for a whole new level of authenticity. Whether you tell them your life story, share your learnings, or outline your career journey, opening up can forge connections. And, connections are vital to fostering the collective array of perspectives, values, and principles necessary to navigate the complexities of a rapidly changing world.
Coaching Questions that Raise Awareness and Lead to Greater Authenticity
1. What am I good at doing?
2. What feedback am I failing to action?
3. What work outcomes make me the proudest?
4. What am I learning that will help me or my team?
5. If I could design the perfect job, what would it look like?
Coach Chad | www.legacyleadership.coach | chad.blando@legacyleadership.coach