How Can We Do Authenticity Better as Leaders

In a recent discussion with a client, we explored the complex dynamics of #genuineLeadership. The client, an experienced executive managing the challenges of leading a diverse team in a dynamic industry, pondered on:

"In what ways can I cultivate a deeper understanding of your authentic self and align it with your leadership approach?

"What approaches can be effective in navigating the delicate balance between authenticity and leadership effectiveness?

Our conversation highlighted the nuances of being an authentic leader and the possible problems when authentic leadership is misunderstood or wrongly applied.

The Shortcomings of Authenticity

Authenticity Myth: Benjamin Hardy, PhD, in "Personality Isn’t Permanent," argues against fixed personalities, suggesting that authenticity often keeps things the same. He links authenticity to a fixed mindset and stresses the importance of understanding values, motivations, and evolving identity for true authenticity.

Boundary Blunders: Authentic leadership means balancing personal authenticity with workplace values and culture. Leaders who ignore these boundaries may cause team conflicts.

Multiple Selves: Authentic leadership involves recognizing our different selves and adjusting behaviors accordingly, while staying true to core values. This helps leaders connect with others genuinely and adapt to various situations.

Platinum vs. Golden Rule: While the Golden Rule focuses on "treating others as you'd like to be treated", the Platinum Rule emphasizes "treating others as they want to be treated", which is crucial for genuine leadership. It requires understanding others' perspectives, values, and preferences to avoid team friction.

Personal Growth Conflicts: Authentic leadership isn't about sticking to a fixed identity but committing to self-awareness and growth. A rigid authenticity image can hinder a leader's effectiveness. Authentic leaders embrace personal growth, learn from experiences, and align their actions with evolving values.

As Ben Hardy says:

“Your authentic self is what you must believe in and who you aspire to be. Moreover, your authentic self is going to change.”Ben Hardy

Navigating Authenticity

Achieving authentic leadership requires a nuanced understanding of context and environment. Leaders must recognize that being authentic doesn't mean disregarding boundaries but rather making calculated decisions about when and how to express authenticity effectively.Leaders can navigate authenticity by following these guidelines:

1.Recognize Context: Understanding the unique dynamics of their organization, industry, and team culture is crucial for authentic leadership. Carefully read the environment and see what you can?Give before you take. What may be considered authentic in one context may not necessarily be appropriate in another. Leaders must assess the situation and adapt their approach accordingly.

Authenticity is NOT about you. Being an authentic leader is not showing up at work, like you're going to a friend's pool party. “ Mandy Lehto

Listen to this episode with Dr. Mandy Lehto and and former CEO Erin Hatzikostas to bring more inspiration, energy and authenticity to your leadership,

2.Focus on being original and refreshing: There's lots of room for fresh ideas, a bit of the unexpected and new interpretations of old ones while still operating within acceptable boundaries. As a leader, Find the balance between being innovative and adhering to guidelines.

3.Seek out a reasonable disrupt. Like Seth Godin says, being being a?Purple Cow?matters. We should aim to be exceptional as individuals and genuine but pushing boundaries once we've gained trust. Leaders who are overly disruptive from the start don't gain the credibility needed for success.

4.Balance Authenticity and Adaptability: Authenticity doesn't mean rigidly adhering to a single persona or style. Leaders should leverage their authenticity while also demonstrating adaptability and flexibility as needed. This involves understanding when to stay true to one's values and when to adjust behaviors to meet the needs of the situation.

5.Leverage the many selves: By viewing ourselves as works in progress and evolving our professional identities through trial and error, we can develop a personal style that feels right to us and suits our organizations’ changing needs.

6.Lead with Empathy: Authentic leadership is rooted in empathy and understanding. Leaders should strive to connect with their team members on a personal level, demonstrating empathy, active listening, and a genuine interest in their well-being.

7. Seek Feedback: Feedback is essential for authentic leadership. Leaders should actively seek input from their team members, peers, and mentors to gain insights into how their behaviors are perceived and how they can improve their authenticity and effectiveness as leaders.

Being 100% “yourself” can be ineffective if we are not careful. Adjust your leadership style based on the situation, considering the people and culture around you. Then, decide when to make thoughtful decisions to be authentic.

What's one standout quality of an authentic, inspiring leader you've worked for? Got burning questions about authentic leadership? Drop them in the comments, and let's spark a conversation!

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Who's?Ghada Khalifeh??I am a Certified Professional Coach, Entrepreneur, Human Consciousness advocate, and Podcaster. I partner with ambitious individuals, anxious leaders, and busy entrepreneurs who are ready to redefine success and happiness in a fast-paced environment and learn how to lead a more fulfilling life and impactful career with flow and joy. Let's connect!