A full 56% of professionals would say no to a modest pay raise to keep working under a strong manager.[1] Consequently, if you want to keep your team in place, you need to focus attention on becoming a truly great leader. So, what makes an authentic leader in terms of attributes, attitudes, and habits?
Authentic Leaders Hold Personal Values Sacred
To avoid sending mixed messages to colleagues and spurring mistrust, write down at least five values you value
- At the end of each day, rate yourself on how well you practiced your values
- Falling short today doesn’t make you a horrible person. It’s an opportunity for you to lead with your values tomorrow
Authentic Leaders Are Eager to Listen
Listen because you want to, not because you have to
- Helping someone solve an issue can be beneficial in the long run
- Practice active listening skills
- Look the other person in the eye
- Repeat key points to ensure you understand
- Follow up later
Authentic Leaders Take Care of Themselves
As a leader, you can’t afford to allow yourself to get to the stage of true burnout.
- Make time for yourself
- Several fantastic outcomes will happen
- You’ll sleep better and feel more relaxed, which will allow you to absorb information more easily.
Authentic Leaders Show Vulnerability
Leading with humanity instead of trying to be an omniscient ruler is what makes an authentic leader.
- Walk around with your “guard up” all the time limits the bonds you could be forging with team members
- Be vulnerable, and allow others to help you when you need it
Understanding What Makes an Authentic Leader Gets You Closer to Being One
Now that you know what makes an authentic leader, you can start to work on new characteristics and behaviors in your everyday life.
- In time and with effort, you’ll become a more trustworthy, reliable leader.
Authentic Leaders Have a Thirst for Knowledge
Pick up books
- Reading helps you become a better communicator, speaker, and goal-setter
- Take a hard look at your schedule and carve out time for learning
- Consider starting a company-backed book club to foster camaraderie and collaboration
