10 Habits of Authentic Leaders
To be a leader that people will follow with absolute conviction, you have to possess and demonstrate specific qualities. In this time and era, people are well aware and informed to self-regulate and are not easily impressed to idolize another body that isn't adding value to their lives. Tyrants and curmudgeons with brilliant vision can command a reluctant following for a limited time that won't last. They burn people out before discovering people's true capabilities.
While remembering a person, most of us ignore natural characteristics like intelligence and attractiveness and instead focus on qualities that touched us throughout the interaction, such as approachability, humility, and positivity. We always say people buy into the overall experience you offer rather than the features, facilities or perks.
These attributes are entirely under your control, and it's a matter of emotional intelligence (EQ), meaning you can develop and build upon them and choose to display them when necessary.
These are 10 Key behaviours you can develop to practice authentic leadership and gain followers to build a community of support and trust.
Form Personal Connections - Even in a crowded room, leaders make people feel important and seen. Initiate a one-on-one conversation as if there is only one person in the room that matters. And, for that moment, it can be true. Authentic leaders communicate on a very personal and emotional level. They never forget that a flesh-and-blood human is standing before them.
Be Approachable - Authentic leaders genuinely believe that everyone, regardless of rank or ability, is worth their time and attention. They make everyone feel worth it because they think that everyone is valuable.
Be Humble - Few things kill likeability as quickly as arrogance. Modern-day leaders don't act like they're better than you because they don't think they're better than you. Rather than being a source of prestige, they see their leadership position as bringing them additional accountability for serving those who follow them.
Be Positive - Modern leaders can only maintain a positive outlook if they think and interpret situations positively and through the lens of equality. For example:
They don't have to give a presentation to the board of directors; they get to share their vision and ideas with the board.
They don't have to go on a plant tour; they get to meet and visit the people who make their company's products.
They don't even have to diet; they experience the benefits of eating healthy.
Even in undeniably negative situations, authentic leaders emanate a sincere hope for the future, a confidence that they can help make tomorrow better than today.
Be Steady & Calm - Modern leaders take things in stride regarding accomplishments and failures. They don't toot their horns nor get rattled when they blow it. They savour success without letting it go to their heads and readily acknowledge failure without getting mired in it. They learn from both and move on.
Be Generous - We've all worked for someone who constantly holds something back, whether it's knowledge or resources. They act as if they're afraid you'll outshine them if they give you access to everything you need to do your job. Authentic leaders are unfailingly generous with whom they know, what they know, and the resources they can access. They want you to do well more than anything else because they understand that this is their job as a leader and are confident enough never to worry that your success might make them look bad. They believe that your success is their success.
Demonstrate Integrity - Authentic leaders inspire trust and admiration through actions, not words. Many leaders say that integrity is crucial to them, but authentic leaders walk their talk by demonstrating integrity daily. Even a leader who oozes charm won't be authentic if a solid foundation of integrity doesn't back that charm.
Read People Like A Book - Authentic leaders know how to read people, as unspoken communication is often more important than the words people say. They note facial expressions, body language, and tone of voice to get what's going on with their people. In other words, they have high social awareness, a critical EQ skill.
Appreciate Potential - Robert Brault said, "Charisma is not so much getting people to like you as getting people to like themselves when you're around." Authentic leaders not only see the best in their people, but they also make sure that everyone else sees it too. They draw out people's talents so that everyone is bettering themselves and the work at hand.
Add Substantial Value - Daniel Quinn said, "Charisma only wins people's attention. Once you have their attention, you must tell them something." Authentic leaders understand that their knowledge and expertise are critical to the success of everyone who follows them. Therefore, they regularly connect with people to share their substance (as opposed to superficial small talk). Authentic leaders don't puff themselves up or pretend to be something they're not because they don't have to. They have substantial value to add and share with their people.
Bringing It All Together
Authenticity isn't a natural skill; it is tough to be authentic because we all are vulnerable and taught to please people since childhood. Being authentic is a tough job and results from continuous learning and shaping your personality. There are two steps to authenticity:
Step 1: Keep challenging & building your ideologies through social and self-learning for the better of the world.
Step 2: Align your beliefs with actions demonstrating your real purpose and true nature.
Like any other professional skill, you can study the people who have them, copy what works, and adapt them to your style. Try these ten strategies and watch your authenticity soar.
