What are 3 attributes of an authentic leader?
In a world of Instagram influencers and polished personas, authenticity isn’t just refreshing - it’s much needed. Research-backed studies consistently point to three core attributes that define authentic leadership:
Self-Awareness
The ability to reflect deeply, know your values and lead from a place of inner clarity. Authentic leaders don’t just perform, they align. A good place to start is a self-analysis of your values as they are today. They may have changed in priority since your last promotion. Or, they may have shifted after a transition in your personal life.
Relational Transparency
They communicate with openness and consistency, creating psychological safety and trust. No masks. Just presence. By the way, did you know that the origin of the word personality is ‘mask’? As psychology teaches we can have growth mindset or a fixed mindset. This means your personality can evolve if you believe it can and take deliberate steps towards growth.
Internalised Moral Perspective
Decisions are guided by values, not appearances. These leaders walk the road less travelled. They choose what’s right over what’s easy and their stakeholders feel it.
Whether you're leading a boardroom or a brand, authenticity isn’t a tactic, it’s how you position yourself powerfully. In my experience with executives, it's not that their lack of career capital. It's about having a conversation around bringing to the surface and positioning their unique qualities.
So, here’s the Black Belt Leadership challenge:
What parts of your personality do you need to drop, so that you can make room for your authentic style to emerge?