Unpacking the Benefits of Authentic Leadership

By David Blaser, Senior Consultant

In a post-pandemic world with many employees now working remotely, leading with EQ, trust, and empowerment have become among the top leadership behaviours. Leaders who hold on to the idea that they need to be the smartest person in the organization might be left behind as many organizations lean towards the authentic leadership model. Adopting the concept of authentic leadership is just one way of enhancing EQ and becoming a leader employees stay at organizations for.

Authentic leadership is a leadership style that emphasizes honesty, transparency, and self-awareness. It’s becoming increasingly popular in the business world as organizations recognize the importance of leaders who are genuine, ethical, and relatable.

At the heart of authentic leadership is the idea that leaders must be true to themselves and their values. This means being honest about their strengths and weaknesses, as well as their values and beliefs. Authentic leaders understand their own emotions and motivations and can use this self-awareness to guide their decisions and actions.

Authentic leaders are also transparent in their communication with others. They are open and honest about their intentions and they encourage others to do the same. By fostering an environment of openness and trust, authentic leaders create a culture where everyone feels valued and respected.

One of the key benefits of authentic leadership is that it leads to greater employee engagement and motivation. When employees feel that their leaders are authentic and genuine, they are more likely to feel a sense of loyalty and commitment to the organization. This, in turn, leads to increased productivity and better outcomes for the company.

Another benefit of authentic leadership is that it fosters a culture of innovation and creativity. When employees feel that their ideas are valued and they are part of a team that is working towards a common goal, they are more likely to take risks and think outside the box. This can lead to new products, services, and processes that drive the organization forward.

To be an authentic leader, it is important to cultivate self-awareness and a deep understanding of your values and motivations. This requires a willingness to reflect on your own experiences and to be honest with yourself about your strengths and weaknesses. Authentic leaders also need to be open to feedback and willing to make changes when necessary.

Authentic leadership is not always easy, but it is a powerful tool for driving organizational success. By fostering a culture of openness, transparency, and self-awareness, authentic leaders can create a workplace where employees feel valued and respected, and where innovation and creativity thrive.