The power of authentic leadership in unleashing team potential

In today’s fast-paced business environment, authentic leadership has become increasingly important for organisations to stay competitive and retain top talent.

Authentic leadership

Authentic leaders are genuine, transparent, and self-aware, fostering an environment of trust and collaboration within their teams. Research by Bill George, a Senior Fellow at Harvard Business School, shows that authentic leaders consistently outperform their peers in the long run, delivering sustainable results and driving innovation (George, 2007).

Your key attributes

One key attribute of authentic leaders is their ability to effectively communicate and connect with their team members. They understand the importance of listening and empathising with others, ensuring that everyone feels valued and heard. This approach not only boosts team morale but also enhances decision-making and problem-solving.

Demonstrate empathy

A study by the Center for Creative Leadership (CCL) found that leaders who demonstrate empathy are viewed as better performers by their bosses (Gentry, Weber, & Sadri, 2007). As a leader, you can strengthen your empathy skills by actively engaging in team discussions, asking open-ended questions, and paying attention to non-verbal cues.

Empower your team

To empower your team and unleash its full potential, authentic leaders also focus on developing a strong sense of purpose and shared goals. Research by McKinsey & Company found that companies with a clearly articulated purpose have a 30% higher level of innovation and 40% higher level of employee retention (Barton, Kipping, & Nawaz, 2021).

Align with your organisation’s mission and values

As a leader, it’s crucial to align your team’s efforts with the organisation’s overarching mission and values. You can do this by regularly communicating the importance of their work, setting clear objectives, and recognising individual contributions.

Unlock your team’s potential

Adopting an authentic leadership style can unlock your team’s potential and lead to long-term success. By cultivating trust, empathy, and a shared sense of purpose, you can create a high-performing team that thrives in today’s competitive business landscape.

Contact us today to learn more or book a discussion.

Respect,

Daniel

Key references:

• George, B. (2007). True North: Discover Your Authentic Leadership. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.
• Gentry, W. A., Weber, T. J., & Sadri, G. (2007). Empathy in the workplace: A tool for effective leadership. Greensboro, NC: Center for Creative Leadership.
• Barton, D., Kipping, M., & Nawaz, M. (2021). The firm of the future. McKinsey Quarterly.