6 Tips to Become an Authentic Leader
Authenticity in the workplace refers to the extent to which an individual is genuine, honest, and true to themselves while interacting with others in a professional setting. It means being transparent, open, and vulnerable in order to build trust and create a positive work environment.
In the past, problem-solving skills, vision, and knowledge of the industry were top qualities for effective leaders. In today’s business environment, authenticity is becoming a more significant characteristic of successful leaders. When leaders show up vulnerable, transparent, and authentic, this empowers a workplace of psychological safety where employees feel that they can be themselves and express their true thoughts and feelings without fear of judgment or retaliation.
On the other hand, a lack of authenticity in the workplace can lead to a culture of distrust and inauthenticity, where employees may feel pressure to conform to certain expectations or hide their true selves in order to fit in. This can lead to increased stress, conflict, and turnover, as well as decreased productivity and innovation.
Benefits of Authenticity in the Workplace
Promoting authenticity in the workplace has numerous benefits for both individuals and organizations. Here are just a few:
Improved mental health
When employees feel safe and supported in being their true selves, it can lead to reduced stress and improved mental health. This can result in increased productivity and a more positive work environment.
Enhanced creativity and innovation
Encouraging employees to bring their authentic selves to work can lead to more diverse and innovative ideas, as people are more likely to share their unique perspectives and experiences.
Greater trust and transparency
Promoting authenticity in the workplace fosters a culture of trust and transparency, as employees feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and feelings openly. This can improve communication and collaboration within the organization.
Increased employee engagement and retention
When employees feel valued and supported for who they are, they are more likely to be engaged and committed to the organization. This can lead to increased retention rates and a more positive work culture.
Enhanced reputation
Organizations that promote authenticity and inclusivity often have a positive reputation, which can lead to a competitive advantage in attracting top talent.
How to Become an Authentic Leader
There are several ways that individuals, leaders, and organizations can foster authenticity in the workplace:
Lead by example
As a leader, it's important to model authentic behavior and be genuine in your interactions with others. This means being honest, transparent, and genuine in your communication and actions. As a leader myself, I consistently show up with authenticity no matter what the setting is. Whether at a work meeting, team event, or industry-wide conference, I clearly define how I choose to show up and the words I choose. Using a common language, I empower my team members to also communicate their own communication and behavior styles.
Encourage open communication
Create an environment where employees feel safe to share their thoughts, feelings, and ideas openly and honestly. In addition, having open lines of communication with your team, such as through text, instant message, or even impromptu phone calls, is important for quick and effective resolution of issues and helps to ensure that goals and expectations are aligned. Open communication can help foster a culture of authenticity and build trust among team members and leaders.
Be vulnerable
Showing vulnerability and admitting mistakes can help to build trust and create a sense of authenticity. It is also important for leaders to be self-aware and to admit when their employees are better at certain tasks or possess more expertise in certain areas. By doing so, leaders can foster an environment of trust and respect, and create opportunities for collaboration and growth. When leaders are willing to be vulnerable, it encourages employees to do the same and can lead to stronger team cohesion.
Encourage individuality
Allow employees to be themselves and embrace their unique qualities. Encourage employees to bring their authentic selves to work and create a culture that values diversity and individuality. In certain situations, this requires intentional communication - leaders should encourage employees to express their unique identities and help the leader understand the importance of authenticity and individuality in the workplace.
Provide support
Offer support and resources to help employees feel comfortable being authentic at work. This may include providing training or resources on topics such as emotional intelligence or communication skills. Many employees desire education on emotional intelligence and effective communication; it would be beneficial not to assume they have all of the tools and resources they need, and instead proactively provide the appropriate training.
Seek feedback
Encourage open and honest feedback from employees to help identify areas for improvement and create a culture of authenticity. This can help foster a sense of trust and open communication within the workplace.
Authenticity is a crucial quality to have in the workplace because it allows individuals to be genuine and true to themselves.
When people are authentic, they are more likely to be confident and comfortable in their roles, leading to more efficient and effective decision-making, increased productivity, and greater fulfillment. Authenticity also helps to create a positive and inclusive work environment, as people are able to be their authentic selves without fear of judgment, discrimination, or consequences. Additionally, authenticity can lead to better communication and collaboration within a team, as people feel more comfortable sharing their thoughts and ideas openly. As we dip our toes deeper into the new year, authenticity will continue to become a more important aspect of a healthy and successful workplace culture.