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In twenty years of coaching leaders for high performance, I've deduced that the most effective leaders are also the most authentic.

Easier said than done, for many. For example, when you think of the word?"authentic" what immediately comes to mind? Do you cringe at the prospect of being too open, too real with others? Maybe you worry that perhaps your coworkers, direct reports, or even customers will perceive your "authenticity" as a weakness and take advantage of your position?

Is there even a place reserved for "speaking from the heart" as a leader-- without exposing yourself?

Well, there is a place for it, sure, but leaders first have to get over their own fears.?Being authentic is a powerful thing if you can trust yourself and be trusted by others. The reason most leaders are not more authentic is that they believe they will be viewed as less authoritative; that they will lose their power, leverage, and gravitas.

Does that resonate with you?

Here's the thing, and I hope this sinks in. Authenticity promotes an open culture of respect and dignity void of the usual toxic corporate metaphors like backstabbing, gossiping, and throwing people under the bus. The business case for it has and always will be about the team -- about strong relationships, collaboration, and, lest we forget, getting results!

When a leader displays authenticity, team members know exactly how they're doing and where they stand with performance. Authenticity in this sense is about demanding excellence in others, openly setting clear goals, and communicating the right expectations for desired results.

If you're over the skepticism, the question still lingers: How does a leader (or a whole team of leaders, for that matter) display authenticity on a regular basis? Here's what I recommend.

Practicing Being More Authentic

First, it always starts with leadership. Once these ideas are clearly understood, leaders should implement them as part of their daily routine every week. After about three months (or shorter), they will achieve noticeable results with their employees.

1. Be visible and accessible

Be out in front of the line, out in the open, making your rounds, walking your "four corners" and personally sharing plans for the future--communicating important things to your people. Just make sure you're visible as often as you can and pursue connections with your team.

2. Keep your word

If you don't know the answer to a question or concern, commit that you will get back to your employee by a certain time, and make sure you follow through. Keeping your word on small things demonstrates that they can depend and rely on you. This is important for the relationship because when the big things come down the pipe, they can trust that you're going to be there--that you'll continue to do what you say you will. Following through and being your word will solidify your credibility.

3. Paint the bigger picture

One way to engage your employees is to give them perspective about what they're doing. Communicate how their work ties into the bigger picture. Let them know the larger context -- not just what they're doing, but why they're doing it. Being authentic in this context is really about your employees saying, "I trust the future." It gives them confidence about where they're headed, and where the company is headed.

4. Provide clear goals

So you've communicated the vision for your team. But if your vision, and the strategy behind the vision, are unclear, this is not good. Remember, it's the 'why' behind the cause that motivates employees on an emotional level to go above and beyond. Make it a habit to give your tribe clear goals and expectations by providing the 'why'-- the ideological basis for those goals. When this information is shared weekly with them, they will feel the same drive and passion to accomplish those goals as their leaders do.

Your turn: What would you add to ways that you can communicate with authenticity? Share in the comments and let's learn from each other.

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Senior Leaders, Let's Talk!

If you want to explore how to be a more authentic leader, magnify your performance, and bring your teams closer together to achieve great results, my top-rated leadership course may be the solution. It teaches emerging?leaders?the skills they need to succeed in post-pandemic times. Watch this?2-minute video ?to see if it may be right for your management team. Then I invite you to?book a 15-minute call with me?so I can personally hear your challenges and offer some free advice.

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About Marcel Schwantes

Marcel Schwantes ?is an executive coach, international speaker,?podcast host , and?syndicated columnist ?with a worldwide following. He trains emerging leaders and managers in the skills to build great work cultures where people flourish and businesses grow.