Most leaders strive to live authentically and become their best selves. On a basic human level, we wish to be loved for who we are, what we do, and our impact on the people in our lives. We believe that the power of authenticity can advance our organization’s culture and long-term impact. Yet there is twist in the plot here for every leader. We are not the final arbiter on whether we reach this destination.
So let’s just own this leadership reality. Every day we are being judged by our employees and clients, our business partners and/or board of directors, our public or private funders, and other key constituencies. Judgments come from all angles, occur at any time of day, and are grounded in emotion, fact, perception, and/or misinformation. Behind most is a collective need for emotional, personal, and professional security that it will all work out in the end.
The fundamental need for security is a big reason why our teams watch us every day. They make mental notes of slights big and small, routinely talk among themselves about organizational shortcomings, and struggle to understand real or perceived gaps between leaders’ core values and our daily words and actions. At the heart of all of this lies our team’s need for greater trust and transparency from us. Our employees want to see and feel tangible moments where we are acting in their best interest, sharing latest information and decision-making factors in real time, and valuing their input and feedback on major decisions.
Given current leadership realities and real-world complexities, what sources of influence can leaders utilize today? Three come to mind immediately and can reinforce your authentic self: (1) individual expressions of compassion and empathy; (2) leadership presence and voice; and (3) the consistent application of dignity and respect in all of your interactions. Put another way, live your authentic self, share your true character, and align your values with your words and actions every day. Easier said than done but absolutely worthy of your best efforts!