Why Leaders must be Authentic
Sonia McDonald
#1 Leadership & Courage Global Speaker & Coach | Award Winning Leadership Programs | CEO LeadershipHQ, The Leadership Association, MenoRise and WorkSparks | Author of 3 Books | Changing the Leadership Landscape!
Authenticity can transform a good leader into a great one as the ability to be authentic in a leadership role can, in turn, foster the development of authenticity in others.
You may know leaders who show the opposite traits of authenticity? They are the leaders who tell people what they want to hear, often saying one thing and then doing another. They are the leaders who always take the most popular route with their decision making, rarely taking a stance on anything.
Authentic leaders, on the other hand, are true to themselves and their own set of beliefs. They are both motivated by and act on their own personal convictions. This personal truth is the backbone of a great leader as they show strength in their integrity. Quite simply they are who they say they are.
Neuroscience has shown us that it is not always easy to be authentic. Human brains are dual-wired. One system encourages people to behave as expected and say the words the listeners want to hear. This is the system that urges people towards conformity and belonging, which is part of the regular human survival instinct. The other wiring meets the need for individuality and allows people to have original and differing thoughts. Authenticity is based on a fine balance between the two.
Balanced, authentic leadership has a positive effect on those that follow. Trust is developed between the two positions helping to build confidence and optimism in a given environment. Individuals and groups tend to respond well to authentic leaders generally going over and above what is expected of them and enjoying a happy and more positive work environment.
An authentic leader is one who is clearly in touch with their own values and strengths. They have a tendency to possess and inspire passion in their chosen field and have their own unique vision.
To achieve this level of authenticity, a person must have a clear understanding of:
- Who they are
- What they are good at
- What is important
- What inspires them
- What they want
Greatness can then be achieved as decisions are made and actions realised in accordance with their own self awareness.
“I had no idea that being your authentic self could make me as rich as I’ve become. If I had, I’d have done it a lot earlier.” -Oprah Winfrey
Oprah Winfrey was definitely onto something when she said this. While money can be a great motivating factor, there are many other benefits that demonstrate that being true to yourself will definitely prove your worth to those around you.
Senior HR Business Partner | Talent Acquisition | Succession Planning | Change Management | Employee Relations | Coach | AHRI Professional | BNI Member
9 年Great post Sonia and very true without authenticity, a leader will struggle to gain the trust of their team, and without the trust of their team, one will struggle to be recognised as a leader.
Transformative Learning Project Experience Development, Design, & Facilitation: "High Touch" Sustainable Work+Life Mindsets & Skillsets | Integrated Systems Approach for Workplace Teams & Leadership Development
10 年I fully agree. Our energy is contagious, and we all lead by our example in whatever sphere of influence we have. Even if it doesn't make you rich in the bank like Oprah, authenticity makes you rich and noble in character - and that IMO is the cleanest driving force to want to be authentic. My three foundations of a mindful leader are expressed in who you are (being) shaping the actions you perform (doing): possessing humility, transparency and impeccability. One must genuinely walk their talk, not "do as I say, but don't authentically do" - especially when no one is looking. :)
C-Suite Business Consultant
10 年very interesting and great overview, over the past few years the need for authentic Leaders in business have dramatically increased, I personally think and believe that True leaders must be authentic and over the history the most famous ones are so, however, I also strongly believe that authenticity is a built in feature of the true leader, hence, if it is there it can be revealed but if it is not it will be very hard to be gained ( if not impossible). With respect & regards
Brand Strategist | Coach | Author | Speaker
10 年Insightful reading
Director at Buttercross Property Ltd
10 年Another article about leaders and, again, results, responsibility and earning respect are not mentioned. A very simple rule applies: People back winners and do not back losers. A loser claiming to be a leader is delusional. To win, you must get results and earn respect and be seen to be responsible. Articles suggesting behavior somehow, makes leaders are mistaken. Why no mention of getting things done, no mention of results, no mention of earning respect?