7 (Seven) Ways To Develop Your Authentic Leadership Style

Written by Michelle Braden (Michelle Braden, CommunityVoice)

MSBCoach CEO, author of 3 leadership books, committed to inspire/challenge leaders, maximize engagement, and impact organizational success.

What happens when you get to where you thought you wanted to be, only to realize it is not the right place? Or do you ever find yourself compromising your values or passions to succeed in a new, more senior position? When that happens, you are not leaning into your authentic self, which can be detrimental to your success.

The book True North: Discover Your Authentic Leadership by Bill George summarizes what I had been personally striving for as a leader. We have tried for many years to develop the perfect model for leadership, but the truth is, leaders come in all shapes and sizes. That is because we are all different and bring our own set of experiences, personalities and passions into our leadership. Embracing our unique personalities and experiences as a leader is authentic leadership.

A leader can develop their authentic leadership by focusing on seven areas:  

1. Become More Self-Aware

Being self-aware is not as easy as it may appear. Self-awareness is birthed out of one’s own life story and how their story affects their leadership. Often, leaders do not tap into this goldmine of discovery. They may not go through this process because of not knowing how, not understanding the value of their life story, feeling it is too painful or being unwilling to invest the time. 

But this journey is worth the investment. A survey of the Stanford Graduate School of Business Advisory Council members recommended self-awareness as the most important capability for leaders to develop. When we are more self-aware, it is not only for our benefit, but it benefits our organizations as well.

The process of self-discovery can begin through writing out your story, listening to feedback and more formal methods such as 360-profiles, personality profiles, strength finder and emotional intelligence assessments.

2. Understand Your Personal Values

Reflecting on one’s personal life story allows a leader to better understand their passions, values and principles. This encourages a leader to discover what drives their passions and then learn how to channel that passion into their own leadership. The difficult challenges faced in life often define who a leader is and give direction to what they will become. A leader’s understanding of their values becomes even more relevant when tested under pressure. Having a strong foundation of values that are tried under fire enables a leader to develop the principles they will apply in leading others.

3. It’s A Balancing Act: Extrinsic And Intrinsic Motivations

A leader’s values help them gain insight into their motivations, both intrinsic and extrinsic. The common response in measuring a leader’s success is extrinsically. When the measuring stick for success is the “world’s view,” it creates a void that is never satisfied. This view encompasses tangible things, such as money, home, cars, titles, etc. The challenge is that these things are not sustainable and often leave a leader unfulfilled with lack of meaning in life.

On the other hand, intrinsic motivations lead the person to pursue more meaningful success that is congruent with their personal values, thus balancing the fulfillment of their extrinsic motivations.

Discovering both your extrinsic and intrinsic motivation takes self-evaluation, honesty and a willingness to explore how to bring balance between the two.

4. Find And Develop Your Support Team

Leaders cannot succeed on their own. It takes support and advice. Authentic leaders build a support team to help them stay focused. This team provides feedback, balanced perspective and earns the right to speak into the leader’s life. The group should help with focus and correction when the leader needs it and allow a leader to authentically be themselves while also coaching and challenging them. This group may consist of peers, family, colleagues, mentors and/or friends.

5. Get Personal, But Not Too Personal

True authenticity comes when a leader is balanced and consistent in all areas of their life. Leaders that can integrate the different areas of their life turn the journey to authenticity into a reality. The challenge is balancing effective leadership at work and maintaining a strong personal life.

6. Stick To Your Roots

Those who achieve authentic leadership are constantly working to maintain balance and stay grounded in holistic lives. This allows for accountability, spending time with family and close friends, physical exercise, community service and a commitment to spiritual practices, remembering where you came from, what drive your values and passions — all allowing authenticity to be sustainable.

7. Inspire And Empower Those Around You

Once a leader has worked through self-awareness (an ongoing challenge), they have earned the “right of passage,” so-to-speak, to empower others to lead. Authentic leaders create a culture of trust and loyalty. They’re not afraid to show emotion and be vulnerable. Team members are inspired at all levels to step up and lead and/or take on greater challenges. This culture enables the leader’s organization to retain and attract top talent that aligns team members with shared values and goals. Thus, authentic leaders produce sustainable results for themselves and their organization.

Discovering your authentic leadership style will require not only honesty but courage. Reflecting on your experiences, owning your story and understanding your values and motives will allow you to be a strong, authentic leader. Leading with authenticity will help create balance in your life, build trust and empower others. Taking time to learn your authentic leadership style is a worthwhile journey that will create lasting impact.