Rule 1 - BE HUMAN - The best leaders are human, not robots, or crooks!

Why are these 23 articles important for you?

I'm on a mission to reduce the 60% failure rate of leaders in a new role within the first 18 months. It's often silent killing your business performance and growth and terrible for people's well-being.

I've spent 20 years studying and working with the best leaders globally. The 23 rules for successful leaders today are the result of this body of work. In these articles, I'll give you actionable insights to level up your leadership.

Let's dive in...

What Is Authentic Leadership?

Authentic leadership is more than just a buzzword—it’s a powerful approach that can transform your leadership style. At its core, authentic leadership involves being true to yourself, your values, and your principles. In this article I'll explore the key characteristics of authentic leaders in more detail:

1. Integrity

Authentic leaders have high standards of integrity. They take responsibility for their actions and make decisions based on principles rather than short-term gains. Integrity isn’t just about doing the right thing; it’s about consistency and transparency. When you lead with integrity, your team knows they can trust you and trust is the foundation of all team performance I've observed over the last 20 years.

2. Self-Reflection

Authentic leaders continuously work on themselves. They recognise that personal growth is essential for effective leadership. Here are some practical steps for self-reflection:

• Assess Your Values: Reflect on your core values. What matters most to you? How do these values align with your leadership role?
• Seek Feedback: Ask for feedback from colleagues, mentors, or team members. Use their insights to improve your leadership skills.
• Learn and Adapt: Invest in your development. Attend workshops, read leadership books, and stay curious. Try the HOW THEY LEAD podcast for expert insights on practical leadership.

3. Lead with Purpose

Connect your leadership to a higher purpose. What impact do you want to make? How does your work contribute to the organisation’s mission? Share this purpose with your team—it will inspire them. Here’s how:

• Craft a Compelling Vision: Create a vision statement that resonates with your team. Make it aspirational and meaningful.
• Communicate Purpose: Regularly remind your team of the bigger picture. Show them how their daily tasks contribute to the overall mission.
• Walk the Talk: Lead by example. Demonstrate your commitment to the purpose through your actions. Remember what your teams see in terms of behaviours contribute to how they will act.

4. Be Transparent

Authentic leaders don’t hide behind a facade. Be open about your decisions, challenges, and even mistakes. Transparency builds trust and encourages open communication. Consider these practices:

• Share Decision-Making Processes: Explain how you arrived at a particular decision. Discuss pros and cons.
• Acknowledge Mistakes: When you make a mistake, admit it. Use it as a learning opportunity.
• Involve Your Team: Involve your team in problem-solving. Their input matters.

5. Listen Actively

Listen to your team members. Understand their perspectives, concerns, and aspirations. Active listening fosters collaboration and shows that you value their input. Try these techniques:

• Practice Empathetic Listening: Put yourself in their shoes. Understand their emotions and motivations.
• Ask Open-Ended Questions: Encourage deeper conversations. Avoid yes/no questions.
• Act on Feedback: When team members share feedback, take action. Show that you’re responsive.

6. Empower Others

Authentic leaders empower their teams. Delegate responsibilities, encourage autonomy, and provide growth opportunities. When team members feel trusted and supported, they thrive. Consider these empowerment strategies:

• Delegate Wisely: Assign tasks based on team members’ strengths. Trust them to deliver.
• Encourage Creativity: Allow space for innovative ideas. Celebrate creativity.
• Invest in Development: Offer training, mentorship, and stretch assignments and opportunities.

The Pitfalls of Inauthentic Leadership

While authentic leadership has numerous benefits, its absence can lead to significant challenges:

1. Erosion of Trust: When leaders lack authenticity, trust erodes. Employees become sceptical of their motives and decisions. Without trust, collaboration suffers, and productivity declines.
2. Disengaged Teams: Inauthentic leaders often focus on self-interest rather than team well-being. This leads to disengaged employees who feel undervalued and disconnected from the organisation’s mission.
3. Short-Term Thinking: Leaders prioritising appearances over authenticity tend to make short-term decisions. They chase quick wins, ignoring long-term consequences. Sustainable success requires a genuine commitment to purpose.
4. Resistance to Change: Inauthentic leaders struggle to inspire change. When employees sense insincerity, they resist new initiatives. Authentic leaders, on the other hand, can rally teams around transformation.
5. Burnout and Stress: When leaders suppress their true selves, it affects their mental and emotional well-being. Authenticity reduces stress and promotes resilience.

Conclusion

Authentic leadership isn’t about perfection; it’s about being human, warts and all. So it's about continuous growth and genuine connection. As you lead with integrity and purpose, you’ll create a more positive impact on your team and organisation. Remember: authenticity inspires others to follow suit. and the first pillar of leading others is learning to lead yourself consistently well!

P.S. For more insights on HOW TO LEAD stay tuned by following me Ben Stocken for next week's article on Rule 2 - How Leading with your WHY creates high-performance teams faster.