In today’s conversation on the process of developing your unique, authentic leadership style, we begin with a fundamental assertion: every single individual on earth is different.
There is no one else exactly like you on this planet.
You are unique.
That’s a positive. It means you’re special — and if you’re unique and special, then it only goes to say that your authentic leadership style, if you are going to show up in an authentic way, is different than anybody else’s.
At Hallett Leadership, we don’t try to fit anybody into a mold and say, “You need to be exactly like this or exactly like that.” Our goal is to bring forward what already lives inside of you so that you can show up authentically — in both work and life. At the end of the day, your ability to do that is what makes you an authentic leader.
Great. You want to be an authentic leader. How do you go about doing that? Where do you start?
What Is Authentic Leadership?
What is an authentic leadership style? Leading authentically means being true to yourself, acting with honesty, and having a vision to guide you. Rather than adopting a persona or conforming to expectations, authentic leaders embrace their individuality and guide others through honesty and consistency.
This leadership style isn’t about perfection but alignment between values, actions, and words. Good leaders know their strengths and weaknesses and build teams that talk openly and work together. Openly acknowledging they don’t have all the answers, they foster environments where varied viewpoints contribute to effective solutions.
Ethical leadership and genuine relationships go hand-in-hand. Strong organizations are built on this foundation of trust. Happy employees are engaged employees, which leads to fresh ideas and lasting success for the company.
Characteristics of an Authentic Leader
Authentic leaders don’t just perform leadership tasks — they embody leadership qualities in everything they do. Their actions, decisions, and interactions reflect their values and a deep sense of personal integrity.
- Self-awareness: They understand their emotions, motivations, and biases and make conscious efforts to lead with clarity and intention.
- Integrity: They remain honest, ethical, and consistent, even with difficult decisions.
- Empathy: They genuinely listen, consider others’ perspectives, and cultivate relationships based on understanding and mutual respect.
- Consistency: Their actions align with their words, building credibility and fostering a stable, trustworthy environment.
- Resilience: They face setbacks with composure, learning from challenges instead of letting them define their leadership.
- Adaptability: They remain open to change, embracing new ideas while staying true to their core values.
- Courage: They are unafraid to show vulnerability, admit mistakes, and lead authentically in all circumstances.
These qualities allow authentic leaders to inspire trust, create psychologically safe workplaces, and foster meaningful, long-lasting professional relationships.
Establish A Vision
You want to know where you’re going, so it’s important to establish a vision. That unique, authentic leader that you are — what does that look like? What is your vision of that? What’s your North Star?
Once you’ve articulated that vision, you begin the journey. Keep in mind that once you are on your way, it is probable that you will never actually arrive at your North Star.
Let’s take the famous psychologist Abraham Maslow, the formulator of the Hierarchy of Needs, as an example. Maslow probably never reached the top of his hierarchy, which he called Self-Actualization, where every day he would be the most he could be, and every minute of every day he was 100% authentic. However, on his journey toward self-actualization, he achieved tremendous growth.
The key distinction here is that Maslow was constantly looking to improve, and he knew where he was headed. He had a North Star. That’s the purpose of the vision.
So, establish a vision for the nature of the leader that you intend to be, and then you can express that to people and get feedback along the way to see how you’re doing.
Get Feedback
Feedback is the most effective, least expensive management tool that we have. Use it. Encourage people to give you feedback. One way to provide feedback to other people, which may help them, is to ask for feedback on yourself first. It actually invites a back-and-forth and a connection that can be really powerful. It can create trusted relationships where you can have each other’s back and work with each other to grow effectively.
Here is a video we made a little while ago to illustrate just how impactful feedback can be.
Find A Mentor
I suggest you find a mentor, a coach, or someone else willing to give you feedback. However, you get that, get as much feedback as you can. The best athletes in the world have coaches who provide a regular stream of feedback, enabling them to improve their performances. As a leader, you can do that too. Get a coach. Find a senior member of your organization with whom you have a good rapport. Whatever it takes, begin getting feedback to improve your performance over time.
Why Is Authentic Leadership Important?
Positive workplace culture and organizational achievements are directly linked to the kind of leadership in place. Think about it: happy employees equal productive employees, and the connection is clear. Leaders who operate with authenticity create environments where employees feel safe to express themselves, contribute ideas, and take initiative without fear of judgment.
Happy employees are productive employees. A sense of purpose and acceptance makes all the difference in the workplace. Effective leadership has a ripple effect: happier employees, reduced turnover, and improved team dynamics. Think of it this way: engaged employees are productive employees. When leaders are genuine, teams become stronger, perform better, and trust each other more.
A workplace where people feel comfortable being themselves is due to better communication, teamwork, and judgment calls. It all starts with honesty. Good leaders know that openness and respect build a strong base for lasting success.
Build & Support Authentic Leaders at Your Organization
Organizations can cultivate authentic leadership by encouraging self-reflection, providing mentorship, and creating spaces where leaders feel supported in their growth. Leadership development programs that focus on self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and ethical decision-making help leaders align their personal values with professional responsibilities.
Let leaders be themselves! When they don’t try to fit into a box, the whole team becomes more flexible and ready for anything. When leaders are authentic, their teams are more likely to trust each other, work together well, and help the organization thrive over the long haul.
Benefits of Authentic Leadership
Authentic leadership creates an environment where employees feel valued, engaged, and motivated. When leaders embrace authenticity, it has a direct and measurable impact on an organization’s culture. It enhances team morale, collaboration, and innovation, making employees more committed to their work. Organizations prioritizing authenticity experience greater stability, stronger leadership pipelines, and improved long-term success.
Improved Employee Trust
Trust is the foundation of a healthy workplace. Employees trust leaders who act with honesty and transparency. When leaders acknowledge challenges openly, employees feel included and respected. This trust fosters loyalty, higher job satisfaction, and better team performance.
Enhanced Creativity and Collaboration
Authentic leaders encourage open dialogue. When employees feel safe expressing their ideas, creativity flourishes. Without fear of judgment, teams engage in meaningful discussions, problem-solving, and innovative thinking. This leads to stronger collaboration, where employees feel heard and valued.
Increased Leadership Effectiveness
When leaders operate authentically, their teams respond with greater respect and commitment. Employees are more likely to follow a leader they believe in. Authentic leadership builds credibility, making it easier to influence teams, drive initiatives, and foster long-term success.
How to Become an Authentic Leader
Authentic leadership is a continuous cycle: you learn about yourself, ponder your experiences, and act. This process repeats and helps you become a better leader. Challenges help us grow. Embrace them; they’re learning opportunities. Genuine leaders leave a mark on their companies.
5 Ways to Be a More Authentic Leader
Authenticity in leadership doesn’t happen by chance — it’s developed through self-awareness, intentional actions, and continuous reflection. Honesty, clarity, and openness are skills great leaders constantly improve. You can learn to be more genuine, a skill you can build over time.
1. Rethink “Leadership Image.”
Many professionals believe they must fit a specific mold to be effective leaders. Authentic leadership doesn’t come from mimicking others but from embracing personal strengths, values, and perspectives. It allows individuals to lead in a way that aligns with who they truly are rather than following an artificial or expected image of leadership.
2. Increase Your Self-awareness.
Self-awareness is the cornerstone of authenticity. Leaders who understand their motivations, communication style, and impact on others can make more intentional and effective decisions. Regular self-reflection, journaling, or seeking mentorship helps deepen self-awareness and strengthens leadership effectiveness.
3. Assess Your Values, Likes, and Dislikes.
Authentic leaders have a clear understanding of what matters most to them. Identifying personal values, strengths, and leadership preferences ensures that decisions and actions remain aligned with one’s core principles. Knowing what you stand for helps establish credibility and trust with those you lead.
4. Take Action, But Get Support.
Developing authenticity doesn’t happen in isolation. Seeking mentorship, participating in leadership development programs, and surrounding yourself with trusted advisors can provide valuable perspectives and encouragement. Leaders actively seeking growth opportunities are better equipped to lead confidently and authentically.
5. Work on Effective Communication.
Authentic leadership requires strong communication skills. Being open, transparent, and consistent in messaging helps build trust and clarity within teams. Leaders who communicate honestly and empathize create stronger connections and more productive working relationships.
Building genuine authenticity is hard work, but it’s totally worth it. Looking for strong teams and lasting influence? Leaders who know themselves, make decisions based on their values, and truly connect with their people will get them.
Putting Authentic Leadership Into Practice
Authenticity in leadership is more than just a concept — it’s a practice that requires continuous effort and refinement. Leaders can apply authenticity by aligning their actions with their values, embracing constructive feedback, and fostering a culture of transparency within their teams.
Practicing authenticity means staying true to commitments, openly discussing challenges, and creating an environment where employees feel valued and heard. It also involves recognizing that leadership is an evolving process that requires adaptability, learning, and a willingness to grow.
Leaders who integrate authenticity into daily interactions and decision-making create lasting positive impacts within their organizations.
Authenticity as a Lifelong Leadership Commitment
Becoming an authentic leader isn’t a single achievement but an ongoing process. Leadership evolves with experience, and authenticity requires regular self-reflection and intentional growth.
Great leaders seek mentorship, feedback, and learning opportunities to refine their approach. They understand that leadership isn’t about always having the correct answers but engaging with others to find the best solutions. Leaders who remain open to growth inspire the same mindset in their teams, creating a culture of continuous improvement.
Authenticity strengthens over time as leaders develop confidence in their values and decision-making. By aligning their actions with their principles, they create a meaningful and lasting impact within their organizations.
Why Does Authentic Leadership Matter Today?
Employee retention hinges on a positive work environment. Organizations should concentrate on what truly inspires and motivates their workforce. What is an authentic leadership style, and how does it impact organizational dynamics? Understanding this is key to fostering a work environment that promotes trust and collaboration.
Authentic leadership ensures teams remain engaged and committed, even in uncertain times. Employees want to work for leaders they respect — leaders who communicate openly, uphold their values, and make decisions with integrity. When authenticity is at the core of leadership, organizations cultivate higher levels of employee satisfaction, stronger performance, and a resilient workforce.
When leaders are genuine, their companies become places where new ideas flourish, people feel appreciated, and lasting success is built on honesty and dependability.
Final Thoughts!
An authentic leadership style isn’t about adopting a one-size-fits-all approach but about embracing individuality, integrity, and continuous growth. Leaders who commit to self-awareness, clear values, and open communication create workplaces where employees feel supported, engaged, and empowered.
Organizations that nurture leaders to be genuine end up creating teams that trust each other more, work better together, and build a collaborative atmosphere. Strong leaders build successful businesses and strong relationships. Prioritizing authenticity in leadership training is the key.
That’s it for today. Don’t forget to join our newsletter as we explore the process of developing tomorrow’s leaders today.
