The term 'authenticity' is often used when talking about what good leadership looks like. But what does it really mean to be an authentic leader and why is it so important?
Authentic leadership is about being honest, authentic and true to yourself as a leader. This means having a deep understanding of your own values, beliefs and strengths and acting in accordance with them. Authentic leaders build trust and credibility with their employees because they are able to be genuine and consistent in their leadership style.
In modern organizational culture, where change and complexity are constant companions, authentic leadership is therefore crucial to creating a healthy work culture and achieving organizational success. Authentic leaders understand that they are not only responsible for achieving company goals, but also for inspiring, motivating and developing their teams. They create an environment where employees feel valued and engaged, leading to higher productivity and well-being.
Let's dive even deeper into the exciting world of authentic leadership and discover how it can transform your leadership style and the success of your organization.
What does authentic leadership mean?
'Authentic' is of course a word that many leaders would like to apply to their leadership, but what exactly is authentic leadership? Authentic leadership is a leadership paradigm that, in short, is about being true to your own values, beliefs and principles and reflecting them in your behavior as a leader. Authentic leaders must therefore be honest and have integrity in their communication and actions. They tell the truth, keep their promises and act in accordance with their beliefs, even when it's challenging.
One of the most important elements of authentic leadership is the ability to self-reflect and the degree of self-awareness. This means they are self-aware and spend time in self-reflection to understand their own strengths, weaknesses and values. This insight helps them make informed decisions and develop as leaders. They also understand other people's perspectives and needs and take an interest in their wellbeing, as well as how their behavior affects others.
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The important interplay between inner and outer core behaviors
When talking about authentic leadership, it is inevitable to talk about the interplay between inner and outer core behaviors. In authentic leadership, the goal is to achieve alignment between the inner and outer core behaviors.
It means that a leader acts in accordance with their deepest values and principles and expresses them in their behavior and decisions towards others. This creates an authentic and credible leader who is able to build trust and inspire others to follow their leadership.
Inner core behaviors: The inner core behaviors refer to the deeply rooted values, beliefs and principles that guide a leader in their daily decision-making and actions. It is the leader's authentic self and forms the core of their personality and behavior as a leader. For example, a leader may have inner core values such as honesty, integrity, empathy and accountability. These values are not simply stated, but they are an integral part of the leader's character and guide their behavior towards others.
Outer core behaviors: On the other hand, outer core behaviors refer to the behaviors that others see and experience in a leader. For example, the way the leader acts, communicates with others and makes decisions in the public sphere. Outer core behaviours are visible to employees, colleagues and other stakeholders in the organization. It is important that the outer core behaviors reflect the leader's inner core values and principles, as inconsistencies between the inner and outer can undermine authentic leadership.
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To achieve alignment between inner and outer core behaviors, authentic leadership requires constant self-reflection, honesty and willingness to adjust one's behavior to live up to one's core values. In this process, feedback from the leader's peers on the outer core behaviors is also essential to support the leader's own reflection with observations from other people. It's a challenging but valuable process that helps shape authentic leaders.
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The three basic leadership types
There is no one universal recipe for leadership that works for everyone, as different organizations and situations require different leadership styles. What really makes a great leader is the ability to understand themselves and recognize both their strengths and weaknesses. In other words, being in control of your personal leadership. This is absolutely crucial to making effective decisions and inspiring your team.
But based on the leader's inner and outer values, according to John Mattone - bestselling author on intelligent leadership - you can generally characterize three different types of leaders: those who lead with their head, those who lead with their heart and those who lead with their gut. While no one type is better than another, it's important to reflect on what type of leader you are in order to align your inner and outer core values and create authenticity.
Lead with your head
Leaders who lead with their heads are known for their ability to think clearly and act effectively. They excel at leading their teams towards higher levels of performance, but they should also be aware of the uncertainties that can slow down their own development as a leader.
Within this category, there are three subtypes:
- Thinkers: These leaders are masterful problem solvers, but at times they can be prone to indecision.
- Disciples: Known for their loyalty and reliability, these leaders can sometimes hesitate to make independent decisions.
- Activists: They have a positive outlook on life and are eager, but sometimes they use activism as a way to distance themselves from painful emotions.
Leading with heart
The best leaders who lead from the heart understand the complexity of their own emotions and values. They recognize that emotions can be both their greatest strength and weakness. Authentic leaders who lead from the heart avoid selfishness, manipulation, jealousy and self-centeredness.
Within this category there are three subtypes:
- Helpers: These leaders are known for their empathy and ability to manage conflict.
- Entertainers: Charismatic and unique in both style and message, they attract others with their charm.
- Artists: Creative and innovative, but can become too self-centered if not careful.
Lead with your gut
Leaders who trust their gut and act in the moment thrive in their environment and often expect the best from the world around them. They are able to make agreements and find common ground even in the most complex situations. However, they should avoid getting caught in a trap of perfectionism, as this can create a fear of failure and inhibit their leadership potential.
Within this category, there are three subtypes:
- Leaders: These leaders are known for getting things done, but sometimes they can seem overbearing or overconfident.
- Diplomats: Skilled at finding common ground in conflict situations and facilitating collaboration.
- Perfectionists: Often achieve impressive results, but their high standards can create distance between them and their team.
Are you authentic as a leader?
As a leader, it's crucial to ask yourself the question: Am I an authentic leader?
Understanding your authenticity as a leader goes hand in hand with recognizing your maturity level. Self-awareness and maturity are key to authentic leadership. It's about understanding who you really are as a leader. It's not only important to know whether you lead with your heart, head or gut, but also whether your leadership style comes from your true self or is just a facade you've put on.
Being a mature leader means you are able to tackle challenging situations with confidence. You have a clear understanding of how your thoughts, habits and actions affect your decisions and interactions with others. This self-awareness allows you to make decisions and respond authentically in line with your personal values and true leadership identity. Recognizing your maturity level as a leader is important for your own development. It helps you identify areas where you can strengthen your authenticity and improve your ability to lead.
By working to understand and develop your authentic leadership style, you can create a more meaningful and effective impact on your organization and the people you lead.
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