Authentic Leadership
Authentic leadership - why does it matter?
Authentic leadership is leadership based on honesty, integrity, transparency, and consistency.
Authentic leaders show their true selves, their strengths and weaknesses, their emotions and values, and their vision and purpose. They are also open to feedback, learning, and growth, and they encourage the same in those around them.
Authentic leadership has been shown to build trust, loyalty, and engagement among employees, customers, and stakeholders. It also fosters a culture of innovation, collaboration, and diversity.
People under this leadership style report feeling empowered to contribute their best, giving their all.
Authentic leadership is especially relevant in times of uncertainty, change, and crisis, when people need leaders who can provide clarity, direction, and support.
These sorts of leaders are those we come across that are seen exercising far more than just ‘positional authority’, we find ourselves wanting to head in the directions they are suggesting, they help us understand the why through their style and approach.
Top signs that you are leading authentically include:
Be yourself. Find your own voice, style, and identity. Be confident, humble, honest, and authentic.
Be empathetic. Understand and share the feelings, thoughts, and perspectives of others. Listen, ask, show interest, and express appreciation.
Prioritise the well-being, development, and satisfaction of your employees, customers, and stakeholders. Create a positive, inclusive, and supportive work environment.
Share the vision, see, and communicate the big picture and the desired outcomes, do so in a way that makes sense to your audience.
Be courageous. Face and overcome your fears and take your challenges head on. Take risks and bold actions. Speak up, stand up, and step up for what you believe in. What you are observed to be doing is far more powerful than what you say you will do.
Be ethical. Follow the principles and values that guide your conduct and behaviour and never waiver from standards you uphold.
Be collaborative. Work effectively and efficiently with others, both within and outside your organisation. Celebrate the successes of others, not just your own.
Terrace Services’ Approach
Terrace Services specialises in providing leadership services for government and public sector agencies. Where clients find themselves with a gap in their organisational leadership, Terrace’s senior resources can step into their team and provide SES and Executive leadership as a service.
Our experience in government, technology delivery, audit, ministerial, critical incident management, and team building is second to none. We use our experience of navigating complex and often very difficult problems authentically and without leaving a trail of destruction behind us. Leverage our experience for your success.