Being an authentic leader doesn’t mean letting it all hang out.
Authenticity is considered an essential trait for modern business leaders, but being an authentic leader is often oversimplified to just being yourself. We’re told throughout our lives that being ourselves is the key to happiness and professional success, but amid the countless pressures managers face in a constantly changing business environment, the “just be yourself” (JBY) approach can actually lead to disastrous results. And yet, numerous studies show that authenticity is a professional advantage. Some would even say it’s “the gold standard for leadership.” So how do you achieve authenticity at work if it’s not as simple as JBY? For starters, authentic leaders understand that they aren’t perfect and tend to view themselves as works in progress. They’re not afraid to admit ignorance and take advice from others, and they tend to actively seek out help and guidance for improving their inner lives—including their character, values, and mindset. They inspire trust among those they lead because their actions are aligned with the values they espouse. Unfortunately, these sorts of leaders are relatively rare, given the fact that less than half of employees fully trust their bosses. However, if you want to be counted among the trustworthy minority, here are three things you need to stop doing to achieve your own version of authentic leadership.
1. Using the same leadership style in every situation
If you’re JBYing in an effort to be authentic, then you likely approach every situation with the same leadership style, never deviating from the one that fits your personal preference. Not only does this not aid in your efforts to be authentic, but it also reduces your effectiveness. In the business world, you’re presented with many different challenges, and you’ll be most successful if you adapt the way you lead accordingly.
