Anton Guinea
Entrepreneur, Speaker, bestselling author, and founder of The Guinea Group of Companies. For over 15 years, Anton has helped leaders move their teams to become psychologically safe, physically safe and overall better versions of themselves.
One of the hot topics that keeps coming up in my coaching and training programs is authenticity in leadership. Being genuine. And even better, being genuinely happy. Some leaders struggle with this concept. They just don’t know how to be themselves, and how to demonstrate who they really are. Authentically.
As an inexperienced leader, I struggled with the same issues. I thought I had to put on a front of some type, whether that be confidence, or charisma. Happiness or helpfulness. In the end, I decided to be a good human, and do my best to show up in service. Plain and simple. And now, people share with me that “you have got an energy about you”. I have come to think that a natural energy is about authenticity, and a genuineness of knowing who I am and more importantly, why I am!
Here are three tips on how to be more authentic, if this is something you would like to work on.
1. Embrace Vulnerability
Authenticity often begins with vulnerability. Leaders who are willing to share their challenges, setbacks, and personal growth experiences create a culture of openness and relatability. This doesn’t mean oversharing personal details, but rather, acknowledging and learning from mistakes.
When leaders show vulnerability, it humanises them in the eyes of their teams, fostering a sense of camaraderie and trust.
2. Actively Listen and Engage
Effective communication is a two-way street, and genuine leaders are active listeners. Practice deep listening, showing genuine interest in the thoughts, concerns, and ideas of your team members. Create a space where everyone feels heard and valued.
Additionally, engage in open and honest dialogue. Share your perspectives authentically, encourage diverse opinions, and be receptive to constructive feedback. This creates a culture of mutual respect and authenticity within the team.
3. Align Actions with Values
Authentic leadership is about consistency between words and actions. Leaders should strive to align their decisions and behaviours with their core values. When your team witnesses a leader who practices what they preach, trust is reinforced.
Clearly communicate your values and demonstrate them through your daily actions. This not only builds credibility but also instils a sense of purpose and shared values within the team.
In the pursuit of genuine leadership, embracing vulnerability, actively listening, and aligning actions with values can set the stage for meaningful connections and lasting impact. Let’s continue to inspire authenticity within our leadership journey.
Wishing you authenticity and meaningful connections.
And please click the image below if you’d like to chat about what leadership means to you.
If you would like to learn more about Anton or The Guinea Group, please click here to book into Anton’s calendar, to:
UPGRADE your Mindset
UPSKILL your Leadership
UPLIFT your Teams