Genuine Leadership, Real Growth: Advancing Your Career Authentically

"I do not grow in my organisation because of office politics. Only those who are good at it get promoted year after year. I can't play these games, so I'm stuck..."

You can imagine how often I hear this comment when I open the Career Clarity Call with leaders who are looking to grow in their careers?

The question now is - should you trade authenticity for a faster rise in your career?

The short answer is no.

The best and most sustainable way to grow as a leader is to stay true to your values and maintain your authenticity.

Today let's talk about:

? Authentic leadership and how it can help you grow in your career.

? How to navigate office politics while staying true to your authentic self.

What is Authentic Leadership?

At its core, authentic leadership means aligning your actions with your true beliefs and values. It’s about being transparent, consistent, and real, both at work and in life.?

This type of leadership involves being self-aware, regulating your emotions, and continuously growing.

Authentic leaders build trust-based relationships, encourage open communication, and make ethical decisions that resonate with their teams and organizations.

Navigating Office Politics Authentically

These actionable strategies can support your leadership career development while preserving your authenticity:

1? Stay True to Your Values

Actionable Step: Clearly define your core values and use them as a guide in decision-making. Before making a decision, ask yourself if it aligns with your principles.

Leadership Progression: By consistently aligning your actions with your values, you build a reputation for integrity and reliability. This earns you respect and trust from colleagues and superiors, which is crucial for leadership roles.

2? Stay Above the Fray

Actionable Step: Avoid participating in office gossip or negative talk. Keep your conversations professional and positive. If someone tries to involve you in gossip, steer the conversation back to work-related topics.

Leadership Progression: By staying out of office drama, you maintain a positive and professional reputation. This not only protects your integrity but also shows that you are focused on what truly matters, making you a strong candidate for leadership roles.

3? Choose Your Battles Wisely

Actionable Step: Assess each situation to determine if it’s worth your time and energy. Focus on issues that align with your values and have a significant impact. Let go of minor conflicts that do not serve your goals.

Leadership Progression: Being strategic about the issues you address shows that you are thoughtful and focused on what’s important. This ability to prioritize and make wise decisions is a key leadership skill that can help you advance in your career.

4? Build Genuine Relationships

Actionable Step: Take the time to get to know your colleagues. Show genuine interest in their work and personal well-being. Engage in regular, honest conversations.

Leadership Progression: Genuine relationships foster trust and collaboration. When people know you’re sincere, they are more likely to support your initiatives and follow your lead, making you a more effective leader.

5? Practice Empathy

Actionable Step: Make a conscious effort to understand your colleagues' perspectives and motivations. Listen actively during conversations, ask open-ended questions, and show genuine interest in their viewpoints and concerns.

Leadership Progression: Demonstrating empathy enhances your ability to lead diverse teams and manage complex interpersonal dynamics. Empathetic leaders are seen as approachable and compassionate, qualities that are highly valued in leadership positions and can open doors to new opportunities.

6? Communicate Transparently

Actionable Step: Be open and honest in your communication. Share information as clearly and as openly as possible. Avoid withholding important information.

Leadership Progression: Transparency in communication builds trust and reduces misunderstandings. It demonstrates that you are a trustworthy and dependable leader, which can lead to more leadership opportunities.

One could argue that these strategies are not applicable in a toxic office environment... However, as I have seen with my clients, when they begin to follow these steps, their relationships with colleagues and superiors change.

By following these steps, you can navigate office politics effectively while staying true to your authentic self.

Each of these strategies helps build a strong foundation of trust, respect, and integrity, which are essential qualities for any successful leader.??

Looking forward to hearing your thoughts and experiences!