Justin Goodman, CEO | Total CSR | #NetVUPlatinumPartner
Employees want authentic leadership, not the photoshopped, lip-service version of it. It's not enough for you to believe you are authentic. Effective leaders live it out personally and professionally, as everyone has a window into both these days. Authentic leaders understand the importance of surrounding themselves with those brave enough to provide honest feedback. They are self-aware and open to change. Most times, showing the good, bad, and ugly, as uncomfortable as it may be, is a far better option than projecting the Instagram version of yourself. Like it or not, the people around you are keenly aware of the real you anyway.
Genuine authenticity builds solid bonds and allows team members to let down their guard. When this happens, honest conversations take place. Excuses about missed deadlines or other mistakes are replaced with acknowledging boneheaded errors or even that a personal issue was impacting performance. The conversation becomes about turning the page or finding a way to coach a team member.
You are correct if you think I am just focusing on leaders in this article. We all lead whether we have a title or not. I have been inspired more times than I can count, to become a better boss simply by observing positive behaviors or traits in my team members. After 20 years in the business, I am humbled by how much work I must do in this area.
I have learned to regularly encourage feedback and suggestions when I fall short. I have a healthy ego and plenty of blind spots. Why not accept the free consulting from my peers to become a better leader inside and outside the office? I am fortunate that my agency culture is strong, with extremely loyal team members. This is not because they see a fearless leader at the top of his game, but rather, they see a leader at the helm with hurts and hang-ups just like them. Everyone in our office walks with a proverbial limp.
Authentic leadership generates trust and security, enabling team members to feel valued for who they are, not what they do. As humans, we crave that, and no amount of money or promises from other agencies will replace that.
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