In last week’s blog post, I talked about how important being viewed as an authentic leader is to your team’s productivity and morale. Some leaders may not be aware of it, but if people view them as inauthentic, then dissatisfaction, distrust, and disloyalty are prone to become issues within their team. Successful leaders will learn to be self-aware, earn respect, connect with their teams, convey credibility, and earn trust. This week we will take a closer look at how being self-aware and connecting with others can positively impact your ability to be an effective leader.
Be Self-Aware
Great leaders know themselves well, notes Brenda Ellington Booth, a clinical professor of management at Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Business.
When you recognize your limitations and weaknesses, you can openly admit to them, learn to compensate, and find workable solutions. Focusing on self-improvement, with an emphasis on asking others to assist you, is as authentic as it gets.
Leaders who fully understand and express their vision are clear about promoting it—and more successful in getting others to believe in it. People will follow a leader who has a passion for everyone’s future. Understand what motivates this passion within you, and apply it to your advantage.
When you identify the values that affirm you, there’s no need to focus on being popular. You grow stronger from these inner affirmations—not from others’ approval. Your objective should be to give your best, even when those around you don’t. Authenticity allows you to move forward, confident in knowing who you are and where you’re going.
Earn Respect
Being respected begins with showing respect to others, both up-line and downline in your organization. Model respect for everyone and it will be contagious.
The phrase “leading by example” is more than a suggestion. Leaders who model the behaviour they want their organization to exhibit make the most effective strides in establishing a healthy culture. Employees respect leaders who walk the talk, and regard them as authentic. Who doesn’t want to follow someone who displays noble values in decisions and behaviours?
Humility, expressed as a willingness to listen to and learn from others, is one of the most effective ways to earn respect, asserts leadership coach Brent Gleeson in his Inc.com article, “7 Simple Ways to Lead by Example.” Humility is a particularly refreshing attribute these days, and it can prove to be a valuable tool.
Authentic leaders recognize they don’t have all the answers, and probably never will. Soliciting and appreciating others’ ideas showers them with affirmation, which commands respect in return.
Do you think your team views you as an authentic leader? Whether you’re already viewed as authentic, or it’s something you need to improve upon, I hope this week’s blog post has given you some insights and ideas to further your effectiveness as a leader. In next week’s blog post, we’ll be discussing the importance of connecting with your employees and conveying credibility.
As always, I’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences. You can reach me here or on LinkedIn.
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