Leadership: Evolved | What is Authenticity?

What is Authenticity?

Just like being honest isn't just about telling the truth when asked, authenticity isn't just about being yourself. 

Some will point to it being open about your desires. Others will point to it being about drawing boundaries and saying no when that's true for you - especially to avoid being in a co-dependent dynamic with someone you're attracted to whom you hope to curry favor with. Still others - and still deeper some will point to your ability to say yes to something you desperately want (but aren't sure you feel worthy of), not struggling within yourself to be a yes to life. 

We've all been turned off by the obvious people pleaser. Why? The inauthenticity. The disingenuousness. 

They nod too quickly at everything you say. They always agree. They might even clumsily try to finish your sentences.

You know that's someone you can't really trust. 

These are all valid ways of describing authenticity. All valid descriptors. 

But what does it mean for a leader to be authentic? To lead authentically? 

Being True to Yourself – Acting in alignment with your values, beliefs, and your true self rather than trying to conform to external expectations or adopting a leadership “persona.”

Leading Without Masks – being absent of pretense, manipulation, or disingenuousness. Instead of playing a role, be open about strengths, weaknesses, and emotions.

Acting with Integrity – Making decisions based on principles rather than convenience, fear, or self-interest. Authentic leaders follow through on commitments and remain ethical even under pressure.

Connecting with a Deeper Purpose – Leading from a place of meaning and service rather than seeking power, status, or approval. This means being clear on one’s personal mission and using leadership as a vehicle for positive impact.

Why Authenticity Matters in Leadership:zap:

Trust, Trust, Trust 

It builds Trust – People follow leaders they perceive as real and consistent.

Encourages Open Communication – others feel safe expressing ideas when leaders are open themselves.

:sparkles:Enhances Resilience – Leaders who embrace authenticity handle challenges with self-awareness and emotional balance.

:sparkles:Inspires Others – When a leader’s actions align with their words and values, they naturally inspire commitment from their team, audience, clients, etc.

What stops people?

Fear. Fear of being judged, fear of staying a course when there is pressure for short-term gains, fear of being judged, fear of having their competence questioned ... etc.

That fear-based inauthenticity can lead to a whole host of problems, not the least of which is staying too long in a course of action that is getting poor results, but most of all ... it undermines trust because leaders who indulge in this kind of behavior usually then blame others. 

There is no more abhorrent inauthentic action as a leader than throwing someone under the bus when you should take responsibility.

This is just part of what we'll explore on Tuesday, April 1st @ 6pm Pacific. 

Grab your spot at the registration link here:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/leadership-evolved-inspiring-trust-registration-1296013504279