.png)
Beyond the Buzzword: Leading Authentically for Exponential Impact
- Tami Chapek
- 4 days ago
- 5 min read
We hear a lot about authentic leadership these days. It's become a bit of a buzzword, hasn't it? In fact, authenticity was named the "word of the year" by Merriam-Webster in 2023[^1]. But what does it truly mean to move beyond the buzzword and weave authenticity into the very fabric of your leadership and organization? And more importantly, how can cultivating a clear leadership vision – one that blends your current strengths with your aspirational strengths – at all levels, be the core of authentic leadership?
Think about it: leadership isn't confined to the C-suite.
Every individual, regardless of their title, tenure, age, or gender, has the potential to lead - to influence, to contribute, and to inspire.
When each person has a conscious understanding of their authentic leadership style, rooted in their inherent talents and strengths, and an eye on the leader they want to become, something truly magical happens.
The Power of Authentic Leadership
Authentic leadership, at its heart, is about knowing yourself and acting in a way that aligns with your genuine self. It's a deep sense of self-awareness and the humility to know that leadership is a journey, not a destination. This understanding is built upon:
Current Strengths: What unique talents and abilities do you bring to the table now? How can you leverage these effectively in your daily interactions and responsibilities? Identifying and harnessing these strengths is the foundation of your authentic expression.
Aspirational Strengths: What kind of leader do you aspire to be? What qualities do you want to develop and embody? What impact do you want to have? Defining these aspirational strengths provides a direction for growth, ensuring your authenticity evolves and deepens over time.
When individuals take the time to define their leadership vision based on these current and aspirational strengths, it creates a powerful sense of self-awareness and direction. It empowers them to show up with intention and make conscious choices aligned with their true capabilities and desired future self.
Imagine if every employee in your organization had a strong sense of who they are, what they can offer to the world, and how they want to continue to add value over time. Just imagine the potential that this approach could have and the impact that it could make.
Vulnerability and Growth Mindset: The Catalysts for Authentic Leadership
While authenticity is rooted in understanding and acting from your strengths (both present and future), vulnerability and a growth mindset are crucial enablers that allow this authenticity to flourish:
Embracing Vulnerability: Recognizing that leadership isn't about perfection, but about showing up authentically, including acknowledging areas for development and learning. This courage to be imperfect allows individuals to lean into their current strengths honestly and pursue their aspirational strengths without the fear of failure[^2].
Cultivating a Growth Mindset: Believing that abilities and intelligence can be developed through dedication and hard work. This mindset fuels the journey of harnessing current strengths and actively developing aspirational ones. It reframes challenges as opportunities for growth, essential for becoming the leader you envision[^3].
These qualities create an environment where individuals feel psychologically safe to grow, to speak up, to add value even outside of their lanes, and to elevate the entire organization.
The Ripple Effect: Authentic Leadership Shapes Organizational Success
Imagine an organization where every employee, from the front lines to senior management, is operating with a clear sense of their authentic leadership rooted in their strengths, and is supported by a culture that encourages vulnerability and growth. The collective impact can be transformative:
Stronger Culture: Authenticity fosters trust and psychological safety. When individuals feel empowered to be themselves and develop their strengths, it creates a more inclusive and supportive environment.
Increased Employee Engagement: People are more engaged when they feel a sense of purpose and see how their unique strengths contribute to a larger vision (both their own and the organization's).
Improved Retention Rates: When employees feel valued for their inherent talents and supported in their development, they are more likely to stay with the organization long-term.
Enhanced Business Results: A culture of strength-based authentic leadership, supported by vulnerability and a growth mindset, fuels collaboration, innovation, proactive problem-solving, and the ability to adapt and thrive in a dynamic environment[^3].
Leading with Strength and Authenticity Starts at the Top (and Permeates Throughout)
For senior leaders, embedding strength-based authentic leadership, encouraging vulnerability, and fostering a growth mindset across the organization requires conscious effort:
Self-Reflection and Modeling: Leaders must first be deeply aware of their own current and aspirational strengths and lead in alignment with them[^4]. They must also model vulnerability and a commitment to continuous learning[^3].
Creating Space for Strengths Identification and Development: Provide opportunities and resources for employees at all levels to identify their strengths and aspirations, and to develop a growth mindset. This could involve strengths assessments, coaching, mentorship programs, and creating a culture that encourages learning from challenges.
Open Communication and Feedback: Foster a culture where open communication is encouraged, and constructive feedback focuses on leveraging strengths and developing aspirational ones. Encourage leaders to be open about their own development journeys.
Recognizing and Celebrating Authentic Leadership: Acknowledge and celebrate individuals who lead authentically from their strengths, demonstrate vulnerability in their growth, and show a commitment to development. This reinforces the importance of these qualities within the organization.
Moving beyond the buzzword of authentic leadership requires a commitment to understanding and acting from a place of strength – both current and aspirational – supported by the courage to be vulnerable and the belief in continuous growth. By empowering individuals to define their leadership vision based on their strengths and fostering an environment that enables their authentic expression, organizations can unlock a powerful collective force that drives a thriving culture, engaged employees, and ultimately, remarkable results.
How are you, as a leader, identifying and leveraging your own current and aspirational strengths, and how are you fostering a culture that supports others in doing the same, while embracing vulnerability and growth?
To better understand and cultivate your authentic leadership style, download our FREE Guide to Establishing Your Leadership today.
References:
[^1]: "Word of the Year 2023 | Authentic." Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/wordplay/word-of-the-year-2023.
[^2]: Brown, B. (2012). Daring greatly: How the courage to be vulnerable transforms the way we live, love, parent, and lead. Gotham Books.
[^3]: Dweck, C. S. (2016). Mindset: The new psychology of success. Ballantine Books.
[^4]: George, B., Sims, P., McLean, A. N., & Mayer, D. (2007). Discovering your authentic leadership. Harvard Business Review, 85(2), 129-138.
Tami Chapek, CEO, Founder, and Head Coach at WeInspireWe, empowers leaders to unlock their potential by grounding their leadership in current and aspirational strengths, the core of her Leadership reDEFYned framework. She believes that by embracing vulnerability and a growth mindset, leaders can authentically maximize their impact, fostering thriving organizations. Ready to explore strength-based authentic leadership for exponential growth? Connect with Tami for a free strategy session to tap into your authentic leadership - or elevate your entire organization today.
Comments