Being a leader isn’t about having the loudest voice or the flashiest title. It’s about being real: knowing who you are, showing up honestly, and leading in a way that makes people feel seen and respected. That’s what authentic leadership is all about.
Whether you run a small business or manage a growing team, being yourself and leading with honesty can help you earn trust, keep good people around, and make better decisions.
Authentic leadership doesn’t mean you have to be soft or overly emotional. It means you lead from a place of self-awareness and sincerity. You hold yourself accountable and expect the same from your team, but you do it with empathy and openness.
What is Authentic Leadership?
Authentic leadership means leading in a way that aligns with your values. It’s not about trying to be someone you’re not. It’s about knowing what you stand for and leading from that place.
Authentic leaders are open about what they know and don’t know. They’re willing to admit when they mess up and are more interested in listening than giving speeches. They focus on substance, not show.
It also means being steady in your approach. You don’t swing with the latest trend or shift your leadership to match what’s popular. You lead with purpose, not ego.
Key Traits of an Authentic Leader
You don’t need decades of experience or a big job title to be an authentic leader. What really matters is how you show up for your team and the choices you make every day.
Self-Awareness
Understand your strengths, your blind spots, and what matters most to you. Pay attention to how your words and actions affect others.
Honesty
Don’t sugarcoat things. Speak clearly and truthfully. Your team can handle the truth. What they can’t handle is mixed signals.
Reliability
Follow through on your promises. Let your team know they can count on you. This builds confidence and sets a tone of accountability.
Doing What’s Right
Even when it’s tough, do the right thing. People watch what you do more than what you say. Your example matters.
Understanding Others
Take time to really listen and understand what your team is going through. This doesn’t mean agreeing with everything, but respecting where others are coming from.
Humility
You don’t have all the answers. Be open to learning, even from the people you lead. Admit when you’re wrong and willing to change.
How is Authentic Leadership Different from Other Leadership Styles?
Some leadership styles are all about control or numbers. That might get short-term results, but it can burn people out. You might meet goals but at the cost of morale or turnover.
Authentic leadership focuses more on the people. It’s about building real relationships, not managing tasks. When people feel respected and heard, they’re more likely to give their best.
Unlike top-down leadership styles that focus on hierarchy, authentic leadership emphasizes collaboration. It sees leadership as a shared experience, not a solo act.
Why Does Authentic Leadership Matter?
Being a genuine leader makes a difference:
It builds trust.
When people know you’re being honest with them, they’re more likely to trust you. And, when trust is strong, your team is stronger.
It strengthens relationships.
People work better together when they feel comfortable being themselves. They’ll contribute more and stay committed longer.
It opens up communication.
When you’re honest with your team, they’ll be honest with you. That leads to better ideas and fewer surprises.
It keeps good people around.
People are more likely to stay in jobs where they feel respected and valued. High turnover is expensive. Strong leadership helps avoid it.
It helps you make better decisions.
When you’re clear on your values, it’s easier to make tough choices and stick to them. You’re not chasing trends, you’re steering the ship with purpose.
It creates a healthier culture.
Teams mirror their leaders. When you lead with openness and consistency, your team learns to do the same. That creates a better environment for everyone.
5 Tips to Become a More Authentic Leader
- Know what you stand for
Think about what’s really important to you. What do you believe in? Let those beliefs guide your choices.
Try writing a personal mission statement or listing your top five values. Keep them somewhere visible: your desk, your planner, or your phone. When you’re stuck, come back to them.
- Be upfront
You don’t need all the answers. Just be clear and honest. Admit when you’re unsure or when things didn’t go as planned. People respect leaders who tell the truth, even when it’s uncomfortable.
Keep your team in the loop. If things are changing, let them know what you can. If there’s uncertainty, acknowledge it. They’ll appreciate your honesty.
- Listen well
Instead of always talking, ask questions and really listen to what people say. It shows you care and helps you learn.
Try this: the next time someone on your team shares feedback, resist the urge to respond right away. Let it sit. Reflect. Follow up later with a thoughtful response or action.
- Be willing to show that you’re human
It’s okay to say, “I don’t know,” or “I made a mistake.” When you do, others will feel safer doing the same.
Vulnerability isn’t weakness, it’s a true sign of strength. It tells your team, “We’re in this together,” and invites them to bring their full selves to work.
- Take time to reflect
Check in with yourself regularly. Are you acting in line with your values? Are you leading the way you’d want to be led?
Make space for reflection, whether it’s journaling at the end of the week or talking things through with a mentor or peer group. Sometimes, a little distance from the day-to-day helps you see things more clearly.
Put It In Action
Being an authentic leader isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being honest, thoughtful, and open. When you lead this way, you build stronger teams and make smarter decisions.
At Griffin Executive Group, we help business leaders grow by bringing them together for honest conversations and practical advice. Our founder, Marty Griffin, brings years of leadership experience to each group, helping local business owners grow in ways that matter.
If you’re a business leader in Southeastern Wisconsin who wants to lead with more confidence and purpose, we invite you to contact us today and learn more about joining a peer advisory group at Griffin Executive Group.
Let’s grow together with honesty and heart.
