How to Be an Authentic Leader

A good leader is more than just someone who can motivate others or has a clear strategic vision. Undoubtedly, these qualities are important, but the secret to succeeding as a leader and building a productive team is sincerity.

1. Uphold your morals

Self-awareness at a very high level is necessary for authenticity. Do you consider transparency to be important? Providing and getting criticism? 

Being receptive to errors? Todd advises scheduling regular reflection time. Get clear and focused on what is most important to you. Moreover, keep in mind that there is a difference between talking the talk and walking the walk; are you willing to uphold these principles in challenging circumstances?

It's time to start communicating your values to others after you have a better understanding of them. Be mindful to avoid sounding preachy or patronising. 

Instead, have discussions with your team about your values and why you think they are important. Moreover, be sure to speak up when you notice conduct or are asked to act in a way that is at odds with your principles.

Getting Started as a Compliance Officer

2. Go past yourself (to make room to connect with others)

You're only as successful as the rest of your team as a leader. This calls for your attention to be on them and their needs. According to Todd, it's important to listen more than you speak. 

You may better comprehend your team members' perspectives and develop empathy, another crucial leadership trait, by listening to them. 

Very likely, the images on your team members' desks or in their chat avatars, as well as how they use their free time, already give you a hint as to what matters to them. 

Discover opportunities to discover more about their hobbies and values. Moreover, attempt to collaborate with others rather than acting alone when it comes time to make decisions that have an influence on your team.

3. Be a learning leader

Being genuine involves addressing mistakes and shortcomings as well as enjoying successes. Encourage a culture of learning among your staff members as one way you as a leader may put this into practise. 

Your teammates are considerably more likely to learn if they feel confident taking calculated chances. According to Todd, it's crucial to set an example by being transparent about your own learning process. Inform your team of your own faults, shortcomings, and errors. 

Both efforts and results should be honoured. Of course, you can also encourage your employees to learn by giving them access to tools, opportunities for training, and funding to attend conferences or obtain certifications.

4. Express admiration and thanks

Even while you don't have to give out awards for everything your team members accomplish, taking the time to express your gratitude and appreciation can greatly improve morale on your team. 

Thank your team members frequently when they put out a decent effort, produce quality work, or behave in an efficient manner at work. Be kind and characterise your interactions with justice and optimism. 

And endeavour to be as explicit as you can. Being open and honest about your expectations reduces stress and fosters greater creativity.

5. Get the esteem of others

Some leaders gain followers' esteem by creating a climate of dread. While this may be helpful in the short run, Todd asserts that positive respect is far more potent in fostering long-lasting relationships and trust. 

People's attitudes towards you and towards your decisions are examples of positive regard. Your team members desire a transparent explanation of any significant decisions as well as a sense of the integrity of your decision-making process. They also want you to treat others with respect and to carry yourself with confidence.

Create sincere leaders for your business.

Consider how cohort-based learning might be able to assist you if your organisation is trying to create more authentic leaders. Together, leaders may question each other's thinking and learn from one another, which are outcomes that are especially crucial when studying a subject like real leadership.

Moreover, cohort-based learning has the potential to start a positive feedback loop where leaders encourage one another to put new ideas into practise.