The Power of Authenticity

Authenticity is related to honesty and integrity, and it can have a similar power in your leadership practice. It can inspire trust, facilitate communication and generate motivation in your team.

If honesty is telling the truth, and integrity is doing what you say you will do, then authenticity is being who you say you are. Essentially, this means having a strong idea of your identity as a leader and communicating that idea to everyone in your organization.

Be the Only Person You Can Be

Steve Jobs, a good example of an authentic leader, once said, "Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life." He co-created a company, endured professional setbacks and eventually fostered a world-class brand, all using this philosophy.

How did Steve Jobs do it? It was more than image and attitude.

A major component of his success was an understanding two things — being himself and pursuing his vision — were inseparable. He was able to overcome the challenges he faced partly because he knew being authentic was the only path to true success.

Be yourself. It's a good rule, but authenticity in leadership is a little more involved than that. 

Put Yourself into Your Success

What does it mean to be a great leader? Chances are every great leader in history would answer that question differently. That's because every leader has a different vision of success.

Your vision should be big. It should be focused. It should be the mantra that guides every action you take as a leader. With all that in mind, your vision should, by definition, be highly personal.

Authentic leadership comes from living for your own vision. You can have role models and take inspiration, but there is a difference between respecting someone's position and wanting to be that person.

If you truly respect another leader, you could start by imagining — or by asking — what that person's vision is. Then, think of how you can modify and change that vision to make it completely your own. Take inspiration. Take time to reflect, internalize and envision yourself in the highest possible position of success you can imagine.

Get To Know Yourself

The process of authentic leadership requires a certain level of self-awareness. Along the way, you may find some self-perceptions that aren't completely accurate.

To succeed as an authentic leader, you have to know your strengths, weaknesses, habits and personality traits. It may not be immediately obvious, but the best way to do this is often to look outside yourself. Ask mentors or trusted peers how they see you as a person and as a leader. Some of the responses may be in line with how you perceive yourself, and others might show you attributes you never knew you had.

Forming a pattern of authenticity can help you connect to people, motivate your team and commit to your vision. The process takes time and dedication, but the results are worth the effort.