Written by: Penelope Μagoulianiti, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
Authentic leadership is something that I have so close to my heart. For decades now, our world has championed a one-size-fits-all approach to success, the masculine way, leading many women to falsely believe that to succeed in their careers, they need to adopt masculine traits. Whereas a woman leader who stays true to her true self can create an effective leadership style. Traits like vulnerability, empathy, and personal well-being are key components of effective leadership. In this article, we explore why embracing your true self is beneficial and essential in leadership.
The myth of the 'ideal leader'
For too long, leadership has been synonymous with certain 'traditional' traits – decisiveness, assertiveness, and often, a stoic demeanor. But let's bust this myth: great leaders come in all forms. Authentic leadership is about leveraging your unique qualities, not conforming to outdated standards.
As women leading our teams, we face many barriers, including societal expectations and self-doubt. Authentic leadership starts when we stay true to ourselves, understand our worth, and do not shy away from ambition.
The strength in authenticity
Being authentic means showing up as our true selves – vulnerabilities, quirks, and all. It's about transparency and trust. Leaders who choose authenticity build stronger connections with their teams, foster a culture of open communication, and inspire loyalty and commitment.Brené Brown, a renowned researcher and storyteller, has significantly impacted our understanding of vulnerability, courage, and empathy. In her view, authentic leadership is not about always being strong but about the courage to be vulnerable.
Vulnerability is not a weakness but a powerful tool for connection. Leaders who embrace their vulnerability create an environment of trust and openness, encouraging their teams to take risks and innovate without fear of judgment or failure.
My client, Maria, leads a team in a big corporation. She managed to transform how her organization implemented specific strategies by embracing her empathetic and collaborative leadership style.She encouraged open communication, showed empathy and understanding, and embraced vulnerability in those situations where she knew she needed more support. Maria didn’t stop herself from speaking about her department's challenges due to lack of personnel. She suggested possible solutions and reformed many procedures to ensure the department became more productive with less time. Her strong points are active listening, open communication, and being an open-minded leader. Maria won her team's trust and the company's acknowledgment and reward. Believing in ourselves and our abilities and speaking up are some of a leader's best traits.
The impact on teams and organizations
When leaders are authentic, it trickles down to every level of the organization. Teams feel more supported, creativity flourishes, and the workplace becomes a hub for innovation and growth. Authentic leadership isn’t just good for individuals; it's a game-changer for organizations.
How to embrace your authentic leadership style
Arianna Huffington, the co-founder of The Huffington Post, advocates for the importance of personal well-being in leadership. Huffington argues that being a successful leader is about climbing the corporate ladder and caring for one’s physical and emotional health. She emphasizes the need for rest, mindfulness, and disconnection from the digital world to recharge and make more grounded, inspired decisions.
A leader's ability to be authentic and effective stems from their well-being. It starts with self-reflection. Understanding our values, strengths, and areas for growth. Seeking feedback and being open to learning. And most importantly, be brave enough to lead in a way that feels true to you.
In a world that often prizes conformity, daring to be different can be intimidating. Our unique perspective and approach are not just valuable – they're our superpower in leadership.
Authentic Leadership is a transformative approach to how we view and practice leadership. It’s a call to lead with humanity, embrace our vulnerabilities, prioritize our well-being, and challenge traditional norms. When we adopt this approach, as leaders, we can create more inclusive, empathetic, and effective work environments conducive to personal and organizational growth.
🎧 Listen to Our Podcast: For more insights and inspiring stories, tune into our podcast Unbound Ambitions. It has real-life examples, expert advice, and tips to nurture your leadership style. You can listen to the podcast.
📞 Book a Personalized Call: If you are ready for a deeper dive, I would like to invite you to a conversation. You can book a call with me here.
Penelope Μagoulianiti, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Penelope Magoulianiti is a transformational coach for women. She helps career women to thrive in their careers without having to sacrifice their emotional health or their relationships. She is the CEO of W.O.W. Education and works with women from all over the world. Her message: You can have what you want without sacrificing what you love.
