Leaders: 6 Tips to Become More Authentic

Many leaders in their workplaces are promoting employees to bring their best authentic selves to the job. Yet, many are left to wonder what ‘authentic self’ really means.

Being authentic means letting go of the personas we put on to impress others and fit in. It means becoming more in tune with your likes and dislikes, strengths, and weaknesses. It’s about self-acceptance, boosting your self-esteem, and acting according to your core values.

Part of authenticity is knowing when to express your opinion and when to listen, when to be vulnerable, and when to stand up and be strong. It’s also about embracing your imperfections and trusting that you’re good enough just the way you are.

Below are six tips to become more authentic and let your inner light shine through.

1. Know Thyself

A vast number of Greek thinkers put great emphasis on the idea of self-knowledge. From the adage “Know thyself” to Plato’s claim that without self-knowledge, you can’t lead, or live, effectively,.

So, the first thing you have to do to become more authentic is to know what drives and motivates you. What are your values and beliefs? What makes you happy?

When you understand who you are, it becomes easier to stay true to yourself.

This includes quirks and all. It’s those things that make you unique. So, embrace them and let people see the real you. Also, remember to be kind to yourself and try to break the pattern of negative self-talk.

2.Set Boundaries

Knowing when and how to say ‘no’ can be difficult, especially in work situations. Yet, in order to be true to yourself, you have to stand up for yourself and set boundaries.

This means knowing what you can and won’t tolerate from others. The next step is to master the skill of saying ‘no’ whenever you need to.

We’re not saying get up in people’s faces and be rude. But you have to know when to stand firm in your convictions, even if others disagree. This will show you’re not a pushover and that you know your self-worth.

3. Stop Comparing Yourself to Others

Comparing yourself to others is guaranteed to make you lose sight of your authentic self. Everyone is on their own trajectory in life, so just make sure you focus on your own journey while accepting your flaws and shortcomings.

Remember, the only person you should compare yourself to is the person you were yesterday, and no one else.

4.Be True

When you say you’ll do something, you have to follow through. When you see your plans through, this means you’re trustworthy and dependable.

Being true to your word helps you be a more authentic person, both in your personal and professional relationships.

Another aspect of being true is being deliberate in what you do and say. For example, consider what you invest your time in. Make sure it aligns with your core values and beliefs.

5.Be Honest

Being honest isn’t always the easiest thing to do, but it’s certainly the right thing to do, no matter what. This includes being honest with yourself and with others.

When you choose honesty, it shows that you have integrity, and people are drawn to those who show that they’re reliable and responsible. It also shows that you’re true to your word and that you follow through on your promises.

It’s worth noting that being honest can sometimes leave you in a vulnerable position, and that can be scary. In spite of that, if you stick to it, that vulnerability can be a risk highly worth taking.

6.Be Confident

If you don’t have confidence and believe in yourself, it’s hard for anyone else to do so. Being confident in who you are and what you can achieve allows you to navigate more seamlessly in life.

And it’s not because you don’t fail, but rather because you know that mistakes are valuable life lessons that you can use to learn and grow. Being confident allows you to feel comfortable in your own skin, so you exude positive energy because you feel good about yourself.

Be the leader people want to follow.

Rich Grehalva

I have a free report called the 6 LEVELS OF WARRIOR LEADERSHIP FOR MEN. In it, I address how men have followed the traditional style of being a boss, which isn’t working, and offer a new model for men in leadership to meet what is needed today.

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