Discover your most authentic leadership… (ok, but how?): a short practical guide to stop imitating others and find your own path.
Spoiler: You're better than anyone ever led you to believe!
If there were a magic formula for becoming the perfect leader, the world would be full of carbon-copy managers, all the same, all busy playing a role instead of being themselves. But the truth is (and we all know it) There is no single path to becoming a good leader.
If you try to imitate a pre-established model, the result is simple: your team will notice. Employees can distinguish a genuine person from one who's just putting on an act (even if it's their "boss").
📌 Question for you: Are you trying to be a “proper” / “as taught” leader or are you truly bringing your personality to leadership?
Is trust in leadership in crisis?
Over the past two decades, we've witnessed changes that have redefined the concept of leadership and management in companies. From digitalization to the advent of artificial intelligence, from the growing global pressure on markets to geopolitical instability, from the 2008 subprime crisis to the unprecedented pandemic of 2020, the changes impacting the world of work and the economy have been transformative.
Companies today find themselves managing up to five generations simultaneously: Baby Boomers, Generation X, Millennials, Generation Z, and, in the most advanced cases, Generation Alpha. This is a unique coexistence in the history of the workplace, with each group bringing different values, expectations, and communication methods. A compelling challenge, with greater risks, but still unexplored opportunities for development.
Leadership has been reshaped in recent decades. It isn't in crisis unless we adhere to "obsolete" management models that fail to account for change, intergenerational teams, new needs, and differing—and not necessarily conflicting—values.
THEand companies desperately need authentic leaders, people capable of inspiring, guiding, and creating a trusting work environment. But what does it really mean to be an authentic leader?
Many believe that being "kind" or "empathetic" is enough. But authenticity doesn't just mean being available to your team. It means have a clear vision, act consistently and remain true to your values, even when it is difficult.
Authenticity: The Key to Effective Leadership
What distinguishes an authentic leader from one who simply manages?
- Self-awareness: Do you know yourself and your true motivations?
- Consistency: Do your actions truly reflect your values?
- Vulnerability: Can you recognize your mistakes without losing your authority?
- Connect with the team: Do people feel inspired and engaged by your vision?
📌 Question for you: Which of these elements resonate with you most? Which do you still need to develop?
How to Develop Your Authentic Leadership
1. Analyze your personal history
Every leader has a unique path. Life experiences, challenges overcome, and personal successes help define your leadership style.
📌 Question for you: If you had to tell your personal growth story in a few words, what would you say?
2. Work on your self-awareness
Many leaders focus only on results and neglect their own personal development. But without self-awareness, it's impossible to lead others effectively.
Practical tools to increase self-awareness:
- ✔ Keep a journal to reflect on your decisions and emotional reactions
- ✔ Ask your team for honest feedback and listen to them without defending yourself (or getting offended!)
- ✔ Coach or mentor with people you trust
3. Be consistent between values and actions
People don't follow words, they follow examples. An authentic leader demonstrates with actions what he says with words.
- If you say the team is important, show it by really involving him in the decisions.
- If you believe in transparency, be the first to share clear and honest information.
Avoid the pitfalls of “facade” leadership
❌ 1. Try to please everyone
Leadership isn't a popularity contest. Being authentic means making even unpopular decisions, if they're the right ones.
❌ 2. Copying leadership models that aren't right for you
You don't have to be the next Steve Jobs or the next Elon Musk. Find YOUR way to lead.
❌ 3. Put performance before people
A motivated team works better than a team controlled with an iron fist. Authentic leadership starts with human connection.
Find your leadership voice
Being an authentic leader means don't try to be perfect, but be trueIt means knowing your strengths, working on your limits, and inspiring others with your consistency and passion.
There is no magic formula for leadership, but one thing is certain: People follow those who are sincere and credible, not those who recite a script.
🔹 Final question: What’s the first step you can take today to be a more authentic leader?
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