Authentic Leadership
Lead from your unique strengths and values to create meaningful impact and sustainable success
of employees prefer authentic leaders
higher engagement with authentic leadership
better business performance
Authentic leadership isn't about perfection—it's about being genuine, self-aware, and values-driven in your approach to leading others. It means leading from who you truly are rather than trying to fit into a predetermined mold of what a leader "should" look like.
Research consistently shows that authentic leaders create more engaged teams, foster innovation, and build more resilient organizations. They inspire trust not through charisma alone, but through consistency between their values and actions.
The 4 Pillars of Authentic Leadership
Understanding your strengths, weaknesses, values, and impact on others. Self-aware leaders know their triggers, biases, and blind spots, allowing them to lead more effectively.
Being open and honest in relationships while maintaining appropriate boundaries. This means sharing your thought processes, admitting mistakes, and being vulnerable when appropriate.
Seeking diverse perspectives and analyzing information objectively before making decisions. This includes actively seeking out dissenting opinions and challenging your own assumptions.
Having a clear set of values and ethical standards that guide your decisions and actions. This provides a moral compass that helps you navigate difficult situations with integrity.
Listen Deeply
Practice active listening to understand your team's perspectives, concerns, and ideas. Create space for others to share authentically.
Express Genuinely
Share your thoughts, feelings, and reasoning honestly while being mindful of your impact on others. Authenticity doesn't mean saying everything you think.
Act Consistently
Ensure your actions align with your stated values and commitments. Consistency between words and actions builds trust and credibility.
Develop Others
Invest in the growth and development of your team members. Authentic leaders create more leaders, not just followers.
Step 1: Values Identification
From the list below, choose your top 5 leadership values:
Step 2: Values Definition
For each of your top 5 values, write a brief definition of what it means to you in your leadership context.
Step 3: Behavioral Examples
For each value, identify 2-3 specific behaviors that demonstrate this value in action.
Step 4: Gap Analysis
Honestly assess where your current leadership practices align with these values and where there might be gaps.
Morning Intentions (5 minutes)
- •Review your core values and set an intention for how you'll embody them today
- •Identify one person you want to genuinely connect with or support
- •Set an intention to listen more than you speak in meetings
Evening Reflection (10 minutes)
- •Reflect on moments when you felt most authentic as a leader
- •Consider any times when you acted inconsistently with your values
- •Appreciate one team member's contribution or growth
Ready to Lead Authentically?
Join the Courage Circle Club to develop your authentic leadership style alongside other entrepreneurs committed to leading with integrity and impact.