Keys to Building Authentic Leadership
When you're taking on a leadership role for the first time, it's normal to feel anxious, especially when you realize that knowledge and confidence don't just appear just because you've earned the title. This can make you feel like an imposter, and even worse, others can tell when you're trying too hard or faking it. We all have an idea of what a leader should be, but if you focus on fitting that mold, you risk losing the authenticity that truly connects you with your team.
Leadership is often thought of as being about authority, but true leaders understand that leading a team isn't about having all the answers. It's about creating an environment where everyone feels encouraged to seek them out.
Lead with Humility: Ask More, Tell Less
One of the most powerful tools in an authentic leader’s toolkit is the ability to ask questions. As leadership expert Dr. Axel Meierhoefer emphasizes, the ratio of questions to answers should skew heavily toward questions ideally, 80% questions and 20% answers. This approach not only fosters collaboration but also shows your team that you value their input and perspectives.
Why It Works:
Builds trust: When you ask questions, you signal that you don’t have all the answers and are open to learning from others.
Encourages ownership: By involving your team in decision-making, you empower them to take ownership of their work.
Sparks innovation: Diverse perspectives often lead to creative solutions that you might not have considered on your own.
How to Practice It:
Start meetings by asking open-ended questions like, “What challenges are you facing?” or “What ideas do you have for improving this process?”
Use the Socratic method to dig deeper into issues, asking follow-up questions that encourage critical thinking.
Create a culture where questions are welcomed, and curiosity is celebrated.
Celebrate Small Wins: Fuel Motivation and Momentum
Authentic leaders understand the importance of recognizing progress, no matter how small. Celebrating small wins automatically boosts everyone's morale and, when done consistently, creates a culture of appreciation and momentum. As Dr. Meierhoefer points out, these moments of recognition recharge your team's energy and keep them motivated for the next challenge.
Why It Works:
Boosts morale: Acknowledging achievements, no matter how minor, makes people feel valued and seen.
Reinforces progress: Small wins are stepping stones to larger goals. Celebrating them keeps the team focused and aligned.
Builds resilience: When challenges arise, a history of celebrated wins reminds the team of their collective strength and capability.
How to Practice It:
Publicly acknowledge individual and team accomplishments in meetings or through shout-outs.
Create rituals around celebrating wins, like a weekly “win wall” or a team lunch to mark milestones.
Use small wins as opportunities to reflect on what’s working and how to replicate success.
Embrace Cultural Sensitivity: Lead with Respect and Awareness
In today's globalized world, authentic leadership requires cultural sensitivity. This point is often overlooked, but it is critical to truly stand out as an integral leader. Leaders must navigate diverse environments with respect and awareness, understanding that different cultures have unique communication styles, values, and expectations. Leaders of multicultural teams report that a lack of cultural sensitivity can derail projects.
Why It Works:
Multicultural understanding: Showing respect for cultural differences demonstrates empathy and inclusivity, not only to your team, but also to your customers.
Enhances communication: Adapting your communication style to fit cultural norms prevents misunderstandings and strengthens relationships.
Drives global success: Teams that feel understood and respected are more likely to collaborate effectively and achieve shared goals.
How to Practice It:
Educate yourself about the cultural norms of the people you work with. For example, some cultures prioritize relationship-building over directness.
Be mindful of non-verbal cues, like body language and tone, which can vary widely across cultures.
Foster an environment where cultural differences are leveraged as strengths.
The most important key is to understand that leadership is something you learn through experience. There are many situations you will face that aren't written in a manual, so humility and adaptability will be your best friends. Just remember that the leader is also a member of the team.
…And if you need a hand with your leadership journey, remember to check out our services for a personalized approach. 👀