Whether you’re a newly minted team leader, or a someone who’s been leading for a while, there’s one quality that consistently shines through in truly epic leaders: authentic leadership.
Authenticity in leadership has been getting some negative press recently, with several thought leaders suggesting that we should do away with the concept, because many people are using ‘authenticity’ as an excuse for bad behaviour. But it’s a topic worth exploring, because while you don’t need to be best mates with all your team members, you need their trust and respect. And that comes from the things you say and do every day.
So, what does it actually mean to be an authentic leader? And more importantly, how do you actually do it?
Is it about saying whatever comes to mind? Letting your team see your every emotion? Always being the same person no matter where you are?
Not exactly.
Authentic leadership isn’t about being unfiltered — it’s about being real and responsible. And when done well, it builds trust, loyalty, and deeper working relationships.
Let’s pick it to pieces.
Why bother being real? The power of authentic leadership
Being an authentic leader isn’t just a nice-to-have, it’s a game-changer. When you’re real with your team, some pretty amazing things start to happen:
- Trust skyrockets: People are smart. They can sniff out inauthenticity a mile away. When you’re genuine, your team is more likely to believe in you and feel like they can trust you.
- Psychological safety blooms: When you’re not trying to be someone you’re not, it creates a safe space for your team to also let their guard down. This means they’re more likely to speak up, take calculated risks, and bring their whole selves to work.
- Engagement gets a major boost: People get fired up working for leaders who are driven by genuine passion and purpose. Your authenticity becomes contagious!
- Retaining your talent: Let’s be real, people want to work for leaders they connect with on a human level. Authenticity fosters loyalty and makes people want to stick around.
- Innovation thrives: When everyone feels safe and valued for who they are, diverse perspectives flourish, leading to more creative solutions and breakthroughs.
What is NOT authentic leadership
Let’s go into why the thought leaders are pushing back against authenticity, because they actually have some good points. Here’s a rundown on what authentic leadership is NOT.
1. “It’s just how I am”, as an excuse for bad behaviour
We’ve all heard (or maybe said) this before. But let’s be clear: claiming authenticity is not a get-out-of-jail-free card for being rude, reactive, or inflexible.
Authentic leadership means owning your impact. If your style is harming others, it’s your job to grow — not hide behind the label of being “real.”
2. Oversharing or emotional dumping
Authenticity doesn’t mean telling your team everything. Being vulnerable doesn’t require you to offload your stress, personal drama, or every raw emotion in the workplace. Share with intention, not impulse.
3. Being brutally honest
Honesty without empathy is just cruelty. If you pride yourself on ‘telling it like it is’ but forget to consider the other person, you’re not being an authentic leader, you’re being careless.
4. Refusing to adapt
Being authentic doesn’t mean being the same in every situation. You can stay true to your values while adjusting your tone or approach to suit the context or the person you are talking to. That’s not being fake — it’s being socially intelligent.
5. Eschewing self-awareness
In fact, self-awareness is a cornerstone of authentic leadership. You need to understand your strengths, weaknesses, biases, and how your behaviour impacts others. Without this, you might think you’re being authentic when you’re just being … well, something else.
6. It’s not being unwilling to adapt or grow
Authentic leadership isn’t about being stuck in your ways. A truly authentic leader is open to feedback and willing to learn, role-modelling a growth mindset.
What IS authentic leadership?
1. Self-awareness
Authentic leaders take the time to know themselves — their values, strengths, and blind spots. They understand how their mood, tone, and decisions affect others. They reflect regularly and aren’t afraid to adjust when needed.
2. Speaking honestly (with care)
Yes, authentic leaders are honest, but honesty isn’t a free pass for harshness. They speak the truth with empathy, clarity, and respect. They don’t sugar-coat, but they also don’t steamroll.
Being clear is being kind. Bluntness without care? That’s just ego dressed as honesty.
3. Showing the human behind the role
You don’t need to put on a corporate mask every day. Your team wants to know you. That means sharing (appropriately), admitting mistakes, sharing your epic fails, and letting people in a little. It builds real connection. Small things like family photos as a screensaver, or framed on your desk gives people a glimpse of you as a person too.
4. Living your values
Do your actions match your words? Authentic leaders don’t just talk values – they live them. Whether it’s backing your team when things go wrong, or making tough calls with integrity, people will notice when you walk the talk.
5. Seeking and acting feedback
Being authentic means being open to feedback, especially when the feedback is uncomfortable. Real leaders invite feedback, receive it with curiosity, and make changes when needed. It shows humility and a genuine commitment to growth.
6. Consistency, not sameness
You don’t need to be the exact same in every room — that’s not authenticity, that’s rigidity. But your values, tone, and how you treat people should stay consistent. People trust leaders they can predict — not leaders who change depending on who’s watching.
7. Become a master listener
Authentic leadership isn’t just about broadcasting your truth; it’s about truly valuing the truths of others. Practice active listening – give your full attention, ask open-ended questions, and genuinely try to understand different viewpoints. Put away the distractions and focus on what your team members are saying.
Your authentic leadership journey starts now
Authenticity is a practice, not a personality trait.
Leading with authenticity isn’t a destination you reach, it’s an ongoing journey of self-discovery and conscious effort. Start small, be consistent, and be brave enough to show up as your real self. Your team will thank you for it, and you’ll unlock a level of influence you never thought possible.
It’s not about being perfect. It’s not about being raw. It’s about showing up consistently, owning your humanity, and leading in a way that aligns with your values — even when it’s hard.
If you’re a new or seasoned team leader trying to lead in a more authentic way, start small:
- Reflect on who you are and how you lead
- Get curious about your blind spots
- Ask your team what they need from you
- And remember — the most powerful version of leadership isn’t the most polished one. It’s the one that’s real, responsible, and relatable.
So, what’s one small step you can take this week to lead a little more authentically?
Tip: A five-minute weekly check-in with yourself (what worked, what didn’t, how did I show up?) can build huge self-awareness over time.
Looking for more ways to lead with impact?
Our team leader training is a great place to start, learning the skills of active listening, and asking great questions. Learn to deliver feedback effectively and so many other essential skills. If you’re curious about how you can adapt your behaviour in the right way for each of your team members, you should also check out our social intelligence training.
