Effective leadership requires more than mastering strategies and skills. At its heart is authenticity.

Being genuine, self-aware, and transparent allows leaders to inspire loyalty and trust in their employees.

Authentic leaders embrace their true selves, flaws, and all, and use this to connect with others. By consistently displaying who they really are as a person, and how they feel about their employees’ performance, they create a culture of open communication and mutual respect. Unfortunately, authentic leadership is rare, most likely because it’s difficult. After all, real people have good days and bad days. No one is on their game 100% of the time; it’s simply not realistic. But the more leaders can lean into their true selves and serve as a trusted, reliable allies, the better.

Is Authenticity the Same as Likeability?

A leader can be authentic without being likeable. We’ve all come across people in business who are not exactly a joy to work with. But if your authentic self is viewed unfavorably by customers and employees, be prepared to face the consequences.

Gone are the days when a c-level title gave license to be rude, condescending, or abusive of power. In today's environment, your behavior and communication style can be quickly exposed online, leaving lasting scars on your reputation and your business. It can also lead to lower prices demanded by customers who don’t want to put up with negative behavior, and possibly even higher employee turnover.

When leaders are authentic, they lead with honesty, transparency, and genuineness. They create a safe and inclusive environment that inspires teams to be the best they can be. As I previously discussed in What to Do When Authentic Isn’t Likeable, here’s additional insight into why the power of authenticity in leadership is more important than ever.

Builds Trust:

Authentic leaders are the ones who lead by example, and one of their most important traits is transparency. Being open and honest with team members creates a culture of trust and helps to establish a strong foundation for collaboration and success. Authentic leaders understand the importance of transparency, and they make it a priority to foster an environment where their team members feel comfortable being real and truthful. When team members know that they can rely on their leader to be genuine and authentic, trust flourishes, creating a work environment where everyone can thrive.

Inspires Others:

Authentic leadership is all about leading by example. A leader's genuine passion and commitment towards a vision or goal inspires team members to follow suit. When team members see their leader authentically pursuing a goal, they are more likely to be motivated to do the same.

Fosters Connection:

When leaders are true to themselves, they create an environment that fosters deeper connections with their team. By sharing personal stories and showing vulnerability, leaders can create a sense of belonging and camaraderie within their team. This, in turn, can lead to enhanced morale and productivity.

Encourages Innovation:

In a world where authenticity is highly valued, team members who feel comfortable expressing their ideas and opinions freely are critical to fostering a culture of innovation. When diverse perspectives are welcomed and considered, the result is a more dynamic and creative team. Let’s continue to encourage an environment of openness and inclusivity, where everyone feels empowered to share their unique perspective.

Resilience in Adversity:

Authentic leaders don't shy away from challenges or setbacks. Instead, they face them head-on, demonstrating resilience and courage. This resilience inspires confidence in the team, helping them navigate tough times with optimism and determination.

Promotes Employee Engagement:

Employees are more engaged and committed when they feel valued and respected by their leader. Authentic leaders prioritize building genuine relationships with their team members, which leads to higher levels of engagement and loyalty.

Drives Organizational Culture:

Authenticity sets the tone for the organizational culture. When leaders are authentic, it encourages authenticity throughout the entire organization. This creates a positive work environment where people feel empowered to be themselves and contribute their best effort.

Being authentic is one of the most important qualities that a leader can have. When you are authentic, you are more likely to be likeable too. But being likeable isn’t just about being nice. It’s also about having a high level of self-awareness. So, if you want to be both authentic and likeable, start by being true to yourself, and then focus on how your actions impact others.

I hope you enjoyed this article. I’m Katrina Klier, CEO of Sage Strategy Group. I mentor and advise leaders on growth strategies from a business and professional leadership perspective. If you’d like to learn more about these services and book a complimentary introduction call, visit our advisory services page.

If you’d like a virtual mentoring experience, you can follow my Katrina’s Career Wisdom on Substack.

— Katrina Klier