Authentic Leadership: Driving Connection, Innovation, and Trust
In the competitive landscape of leadership, authenticity has emerged as a cornerstone for success. Gone are the days of separating personal and professional identities; today’s effective leaders recognize the value of integrating their authentic selves into their leadership approach. This not only fosters stronger connections with clients and stakeholders but also establishes trust.
But what does being an authentic leader mean? And how can one adapt this leadership style into everyday practice?
What is an authentic leader?
Authentic leadership goes beyond traditional metrics of success — it’s rooted in a genuine commitment to the mission and purpose of the organization. Authenticity manifests in various ways, from maintaining integrity and self-awareness to shaping organizational culture and fostering genuine relationships with clients and partners.
Being an authentic leader looks different for everyone, and knowing our strengths and promoting them is half the battle. A leader also needs to recognize their weaknesses and be vulnerable enough to ask for advice.
Benefits of authentic leadership
Research indicates a direct correlation between authentic leadership and business performance in the workplace. Companies led by authentic leaders have found an increase of 50% of higher productivity. Moreover, authentic leadership cultivates healthier and more fulfilling workplace environments, leading to higher employee satisfaction and retention rates.
Practical strategies for cultivating authentic leadership
Transitioning towards authentic leadership requires a deliberate approach. So how do we become an authentic leader to better communicate and connect with the people in our organizations?
- Analyze and define your life storyline: How does your story shape you? What can you emphasize or focus on in the workplace to harness connection with others? Leaders often find that they have to get uncomfortable before being comfortable with showing up as their true selves in a work environment. Herminia Ibarra, a professor of organizational behavior at London Business School explains: “The paradox is that a lot of times in order to become more authentic […] you actually have to do things that don’t come naturally and that sometimes make you feel like a fake or an imposter.” While it might not feel natural at first, learning more about yourself can help you identify points of connection to leverage in professional settings.
- Quiet your inner critic: Give yourself space to make mistakes and learn from them. It takes vulnerability to admit when we fall short. And demonstrating this to others in the workplace builds credibility and trust.
- Find a range of perspectives in role models: Expanding your network to a more broad spectrum of perspectives allows us to observe how other leaders work. While adopting new practices can feel inauthentic, it can assist in finding a better understanding of those around you.
- Prioritize your values: Aligning your values in decision-making fosters a culture of integrity and transparency, strengthening client relationships and building organizational resilience. Putting your values at the forefront of decision making creates a stronger organizational culture.
In the dynamic landscape of leadership, authenticity emerges as a strategic advantage. By embracing their unique identities and experiences, leaders can forge deeper connections, drive innovation, and inspire trust within their organizations and beyond. As the demand for genuine leadership continues to rise, cultivating authenticity isn’t just a personal journey — it’s a professional imperative that propels businesses toward sustainable success.
reacHIRE’s Leadership Development Programs are aimed at helping leaders identify and build on their authentic leadership style. Exercises such as crafting one’s own Leadership Profile and a library of more than 1,300 2-minute Real Leaders, Real Story videos – which provide examples of situational leadership successes and regrets – help team members learn about themselves and learn from others.