Revealing your authentic self and feeling like a credible leader can be an interesting dynamic at times. A client said recently:
"๐ฐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐ฐโ๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐ ๐๐๐๐. ๐ฐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐, ๐ฐ ๐ ๐๐โ๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐ฐโ๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐๐๐, ๐๐ ๐๐โ.
On one hand, you donโt want to put on an act, itโs just exhausting. On the other hand, you want to be respected and effective in your role.
Firstly, about authenticity:
Know that openness, vulnerability, empathy, humility and humour are all traits of a great leader.
Balanced withโฆ.
- Direction: Providing clarity about the future and your teams' role in it.
- Emotional regulation: Responding, rather than reacting
- Expectations: Seting the scene for communications, behaviour and other norms
- Boundaries: Ringfencing your time, energy and needs. To lead well, you need space to get the important stuff done and stay well.
You can and should absolutely be yourself. Credibility comes from setting the tone, direction, expectations and boundaries.
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