Many people mistakenly believe that leadership growth and coaching will change who they are as a person. But true leadership isn’t about transformation; it’s about embracing authentic leadership. When I begin working with clients, they often think I am going to change them and they will be transformed. However, the real journey is about honing the unique qualities that make you, you. Leaders must stay true to their innate personality, self and way of being as much as possible. People can sense authenticity—whether you’re being genuine or just putting on a show. In both business and life, authentic leadership is about being real, imperfect, and true to oneself.
Understanding Authentic Leadership
Now, this does not mean you get to say whatever crosses your mind. Nor does it mean you can do whatever you want. It means you must hone the asset of you. As a leader you need to continue to be inspired, to grow, to learn, and to develop new skills. As you grow in these ways so too do those around you. Leaders stay true to “who” they are while continuing to grow and develop “how” they are in the world. Your ability to connect to others and engage their focus and energy will require your constant growth and development as a leader. This is leadership skill development. People respect those who continue to work on their skills and abilities while keeping the nature of who they are.
“The great thing in the world is not so much where we stand, as in what direction we are moving.”
– Oliver Wendell Holmes
How to Embrace Your True Self
- Be Open to Learning: Embrace mistakes as opportunities for growth and skill development.
- Expand Your Horizons: Challenge your worldview and learn to see with fresh perspectives.
- Maintain Your Humor: Recognize that learning and growth are imperfect but essential to development.
- Speak Your Truth: Share your perspective honestly, while remaining open to new information that can broaden your understanding.
- Ignite Your Passion: Identify what inspires you and keeps your inner flame alive.
- Nurture All Aspects of Life: Engage in hobbies, friendships, and activities that enrich every part of your being.
- Connect with Nature: Spend time outdoors to align with your true nature.
Leading with Integrity
“Honesty and transparency make you vulnerable. Be honest and transparent anyway.”
– Mother Theresa
Stay true. Continue to be yourself, speak from the heart, and develop the skills that allow others to follow “the heart” of who you are.
Do people change when I work with them? They might say they unfold, they expand, and they have a broader range of skills that allows them to move and adapt as they move through the world and life.
As you reflect on your own leadership journey, consider the ways in which you can stay true to yourself while embracing growth and change. What unique qualities do you bring to your role, and how can you cultivate them to inspire those around you? Take a moment to assess your path, and let authenticity be your guide towards leading with integrity.
Stay true to you,
Bobbie Goheen
