Learn how to become an authentic leader by following these six tips. Authentic leadership is a style of leadership that fosters trust, respect, and performance.

When you want people to perform, first you need to make them feel safe. Check you bias and your micro-affirmations and your micro-affinities: small unconscious signals, words or actions that either make people feel welcome and safe or make them feel anxious and under threat.

How can you cultivate authentic leadership?

Authentic leadership is a style of leadership that emphasizes self-awareness, transparency, integrity, and alignment between one's values and actions. It is based on the idea that leaders should be true to themselves and others, and inspire trust and respect from their followers. Authentic leadership can help leaders foster a positive organizational culture, enhance employee engagement, and achieve better performance outcomes. But how can you cultivate authentic leadership in yourself and others? Here are some tips to guide you.

1 Know yourself

The first step to becoming an authentic leader is to know yourself well. This means being aware of your strengths, weaknesses, personality, emotions, motivations, values, and goals. You can use various tools and methods to assess yourself, such as feedback, reflection, coaching, mentoring, or personality tests. Knowing yourself helps you identify your authentic voice, express your opinions confidently, and act consistently with your beliefs.

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Camil Khoury

My mission is simple: To make a positive change in people and organizations. | Managing Partner demtus-Tenacity | Leadership Executive Coach | Independent Board Member.
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You can never underestimate self-awareness, it doesn't only impacts you, but also the performance of your team. As an example, if I am a visual person, and I am always presented with a lot of analytical data what I perceive as lack of communication from other could just be a misalignment in how we perceive data. A simple solution is to both learn the different ways others are communicating, and teach others on how you process data.

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2 Be transparent

The second step to becoming an authentic leader is to be transparent with your followers, peers, and superiors. This means sharing relevant information, admitting mistakes, acknowledging uncertainties, and giving honest feedback. Transparency builds trust, credibility, and accountability in your leadership. It also encourages open communication, collaboration, and innovation in your team. Transparency does not mean disclosing everything or being blunt, but rather being respectful, appropriate, and clear.

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Charlie Perkins

Vice Chair at United Way of Olmsted County | Fostering Lasting Community Impact | Passionate advocate | Career Coach | Writer | Servant Leader | Accredited Media Manager | Photographer/Videographer
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Transparent communication is critically important. It's marked by honesty and openness, which is vital for establishing trust among your team members.

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3 Align your actions

The third step to becoming an authentic leader is to align your actions with your values and vision. This means making decisions and taking actions that reflect your core principles and goals. It also means being consistent and reliable in your behavior, regardless of the situation or pressure. Aligning your actions with your values and vision demonstrates your integrity, commitment, and courage as a leader. It also motivates and empowers your followers to do the same.

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4 Connect with others

The fourth step to becoming an authentic leader is to connect with others on a personal and professional level. This means showing empathy, compassion, and respect for your followers, peers, and superiors. It also means listening actively, understanding diverse perspectives, and appreciating different strengths and contributions. Connecting with others helps you build rapport, influence, and support in your leadership. It also fosters a sense of belonging, loyalty, and engagement in your team.

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Camil Khoury

My mission is simple: To make a positive change in people and organizations. | Managing Partner demtus-Tenacity | Leadership Executive Coach | Independent Board Member.
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When you want people to perform, first you need to make them feel safe. Check you bias and your micro-affirmations and your micro-affinities: small unconscious signals, words or actions that either make people feel welcome and safe or make them feel anxious and under threat.

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5 Grow yourself

The fifth step to becoming an authentic leader is to grow yourself continuously. This means seeking new challenges, learning new skills, and improving your performance. It also means seeking feedback, embracing change, and overcoming setbacks. Growing yourself helps you enhance your competence, confidence, and resilience as a leader. It also sets an example and inspires your followers to do the same.

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6 Grow others

The sixth step to becoming an authentic leader is to grow others around you. This means developing, coaching, and mentoring your followers, peers, and superiors. It also means delegating, empowering, and recognizing their achievements. Growing others helps you create a culture of learning, development, and excellence in your team. It also increases your impact and legacy as a leader.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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How can you cultivate authentic leadership?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Know yourself

2 Be transparent

3 Align your actions

4 Connect with others

5 Grow yourself

6 Grow others

7 Here’s what else to consider

Leadership Development

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How can you cultivate authentic leadership?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Know yourself

2 Be transparent

3 Align your actions

4 Connect with others

5 Grow yourself

6 Grow others

7 Here’s what else to consider

Leadership Development

Rate this article

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