Everyone’s talking about “authenticity”. But what is it really? And how can you develop a skill in, well, being yourself?
First up, authenticity is not just “being yourself”.
Authenticity is being clear about your deeply held values and beliefs. It means having the courage to stay true to these values across situations. And it entails leading by example.
That might mean that you have to make decisions that have difficult consequences for yourself, others or your organisation. Or that you leave an organisation that has practices or goals that conflict with your values.
That’s not to say that you’ll always act the same way in every situation.
It means that your behaviour is founded on your core values and beliefs, and matched to the unique situation at hand.
To be authentic, we must
- make accurate self-assessments
- have emotional self-awareness
- practice emotional self-control
- and more.
Why is it useful?
Authenticity is critical for any leader. Why? Because people want to be led by someone “real”. Someone they trust. Someone they respect.
We all want leaders who are good role models, and “walk the talk”. We want leaders who can help us find meaning and importance in what we contribute to our organisations.
We know that leaders drive meaning, motivation and performance through the cultures they create and the relationships they build and nurture. Authenticity is an important building block that inspires confidence, and creates the conditions required for thriving. And Leda can help you grow it.
