Synopsis: Authentic leaders have a lasting influence on teams and stakeholders. They prioritize self-awareness, ethics, empathy, and personal development. They build trust, value diverse perspectives, and create an inclusive environment for enduring change.
One of the most critical aspects of leaders is the influence they have on the teams they lead. Truly authentic leaders are able to build a genuine and lasting connection with their teams and stakeholders. But how difficult is it to be one’s authentic self as a leader?
It is important to understand authenticity first. Kunal Girap, Co-Founder & Director, WalkWater Talent Advisors Pvt Ltd, defines it as being truthful, ethical and transparent. High self-awareness with a strong set of moral values and building transparent relations are some important characteristics of authenticity. An authentic leadership style, according to him, is about ethical decision making and also acknowledging limitations.
Yash Kataria, Director of the Kataria Group of Companies, says authentic leadership is distinguished by empathy, integrity and self-awareness, which fosters trust and respect among team members.
“To cultivate authentic leadership, leaders must embrace personal development, reflect on their principles and seek criticism. Active listening and empathy are essential for engaging with team members and creating a supportive environment in which all perspectives may be heard,” he adds.
Is it just innate or can leaders build it?
Authentic leadership requires dedication to self-awareness, compassion and lifelong learning, says Amit Gossain, Managing Director, KONE Elevator India. It entails accepting vulnerability as a source of strength, establishing connections with team members, and coordinating behaviour with beliefs.
Good leaders have expertise in the main domain or business. As they have to build a team that works well together, integrity and empathy matter a lot.
Yulia Aslamova, Head of Asia, DRIM Global, says: “Mentorship and delegation show that you care about your team’s growth. You can learn these skills by knowing yourself better, learning new things and getting advice from others. Teaching and presenting what you know can also help you learn and grow.”
Girap says it starts with affirming the core values of the organisation, bringing people together around a shared purpose and empowering them to step up and lead authentically. This can create value for all stakeholders. In his view, such a leader builds trust and develops deep connections with others. As a result, they empower others to high levels of performance, have the self-discipline to get results, display passion for their work, compassion for the people they serve, empathy for the people with whom they work and the courage to make difficult decisions with the willingness to be rational and listen to facts.
Where does it help in a leaders’ journey?
Girap says such leaders become more self-aware, more transparent with their subordinates and build strong relationships. “Authentic leaders find motivation by understanding their own stories. Those stories enable them to know who they are, uncover their passions and help them stay motivated and focused. Stories cover the full spectrum of life experiences, impact of parents, teachers, mentors, coaches, family and community.”
Looking at the personal impact, Hartek Singh, Chairman & Managing Director, Hartek Group, says that the lasting impact of authentic leadership lies in the sincerity it brings to such interactions, resonating deeply while developing trust and mutual respect among all employees.
Authentic leadership fosters an inclusive environment where diverse perspectives are valued. It empowers leaders to forge enduring partnerships, drive impactful collaborations, and effectuate enduring change.
Ankur Mudgill, Co-founder and COO of Super4, adds, “Genuine leadership transcends mere authority; it builds trust, nurtures relationships, and catalyses collective advancement.”
Source: The Economic Times