Authentic leadership

Blog post

Written by

Jenny Holsgrove

Published

21st February 2020

Topic

HR & Culture

Woman holding mug which says Like a Boss

We all know that one leader that we aspire to. What was it that made them so good? And how can we emulate their success?

Authenticity is more than words

Authenticity in leadership is vitally important. Honesty, integrity and high ethical standards are essential leadership qualities needed to build trust, in both people and brands. Authenticity can make or break collaboration and cooperation.

You'd expect values-based businesses like co-ops to be good at this stuff. But there is no cheat sheet, no one can be authentic by trying to imitate someone else! It is not measurable and no matter how much you aspire to it, you can’t buy it in a bottle. But is very easy to spot when it is missing.

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Authenticity is more than words, it is actions. To ensure that we act with authenticity our actions and intentions need fulfil the implicit and explicit standards of our colleagues. When your actions are deemed unfair, or do not to live up to your intentions, authenticity is lost.

However, if we are authentic, we are more likely to be forgiven when we make poor decisions, authentic leaders know that they can fail as their engaged community will carry them through.

We must create opportunities of authentic engagement, facing our own failure, sharing weakness and doubt as well as conviction and strength. Listening more than talking and engaging with honesty in issues that are most significant to our work.