We live in a world where people are constantly looking for authenticity. They want to know that their leaders are real, not just putting on a show.
People want to feel like they can trust the person in charge of their company, and that those in charge will be honest with them. People also want to know that when they come forward with an issue or concern, the leader will listen and work with them to find a solution.
What is authentic leadership?
Authenticity is the quality of being genuine. Leaders who are authentic can better connect with their teams and peers, which leads to increased loyalty and motivation. The authenticity that leaders show through their actions, values, and words allows them to build stronger relationships with their teams and peers.
An authentic leader is honest, genuine, and trustworthy. They have an intrinsic understanding of themselves, what they want for themselves, and what they want for others.
Authentic leadership also means recognising that you don’t have all the answers. An authentic leader is someone who has a strong sense of self, knows what they stand for, and is not afraid to be themselves in front of others. They can make tough decisions, when necessary, but they also know when it is time to take a step back and listen to the people around them.
In the digital era, authenticity has become a valuable commodity. This is because, in this age of social media, people’s lives are constantly on display for others to see. It’s important to be genuine as a leader and not just put up a facade to win over their team.
Four components of authentic leadership
1. Vulnerability
2. Trust
3. Relationships
4. Consitency
The importance of vulnerability
Vulnerability is one of the most important qualities that a leader needs to possess.
Leaders are often expected to be infallible, but this is not realistic. As a leader, you must be open about your mistakes, fears and weaknesses. It takes a lot of bravery and courage to be authentic as a leader. After all, authenticity is about being honest with yourself and others and embracing your vulnerabilities.
A vulnerable leader is someone who knows that they are not perfect. They know that they have flaws, but they do not let their flaws stop them from being successful. They know that the best way to be a leader is to be human and vulnerable.
Earning trust as a leader
One of the most important things any leader needs is trust. Without trust, you will not be able to get anything done.
Leaders are constantly faced with the task of building and maintaining trust. They need to show employees that they care about them and that they put their best interests at heart. A leader needs to be seen as someone trustworthy, reliable, honest, and dependable.
Leadership is not just about being a good boss or supervisor, it is also about being a good person. Leaders should have high standards for themselves and be able to lead by example. They should always think about what it means to be an ethical leader and how it reflects on the company in general.
The importance of being authentic as a leader is that it builds trust among your employees. They will know that they can be themselves around you without fear of judgment or punishment. In turn, they will be more engaged in their work because they feel like they are working for someone who understands them.
Without authenticity and trust people will not believe in what you say, they will not follow your vision, and they will certainly not want to work with you.
Building relationships
Leadership is based on building relationships. It is about understanding what drives people and working with them to achieve goals. It is about being a person that people want to follow and trust.
The most effective leaders share their vision, communicate the organisation’s mission, create an environment where employees can excel, and lead by example.
There are many benefits to building relationships with employees and peers, including:
Improved morale
Encouragement
Inspiration
Shared knowledge
There is no shortcut to building relationships, it takes time and effort. Every day, we can make or break relationships with our co-workers. It is important to take the time to get to know people on a personal level rather than just as an employee or a colleague.
Consistency
Consistency is crucial for a leader. It is important to be consistent with the way you behave and the way you lead. The more consistent you are, the more people will trust your leadership and see you as a role model. If you are not consistent, it will be difficult for your employees to know what you want them to do.
There are many different types of leaders who might take different approaches to leadership. However, they all agree that consistency is a key factor in being a good leader. A leader’s consistency should also extend beyond themselves and into the company culture that they create. A strong culture will help employees know what is expected and create a sense of unity within the company.
Consistency creates a predictable environment for everyone involved and it helps your employees feel confident in their actions to achieve results.
In summary
Leaders are the face of the company. They set the tone and the direction, and they do this by embodying their values in every decision they make.
The more authentic you are, the more your employees will trust you, and the better they will perform. To be an authentic leader, you need to be genuine and honest with yourself and others. You cannot fake it or force it as your employees will sense that something is wrong.
The best leaders are those who are vulnerable, who show their authentic selves and speak truthfully about what’s happening right now.
Leaders are not perfect, and will make mistakes, but what matters is how you handle them. Contact us if you would like support on your journey.
Author Bio
Deborah Knight is the founder of Xsead Lead with a background in organisational and individual leadership and executive coaching.
As a coach, Deborah aims to create an inclusive and respectful space where individuals and organisations can do the work necessary for growth and change. She is also passionate about helping women be valued for themselves while also contributing and being successful.
Apart from her company which she is deeply passionate about, Deborah also loves bushwalking, reading, travelling, and learning new things.
For any coaching or organisational support enquiries Deborah can be contacted via email: info@xseedlead.com.au or via her company website which is www.xseedlead.com.au.