How to Cultivate Authentic Leadership Through Self-Reflection

Harsh leadership truth: Many leaders have a critical blind spot. Self-awareness. They're often shocked when 360-degree feedback reveals their leadership style is demotivating or demoralizing. The root cause is usually one of two things: #1 They've never sought out candid feedback about the impact of their leadership #2 They lack the tools to assess their own strengths and weaknesses objectively This blind spot can have disastrous consequences: • Employee engagement plummets as team morale erodes • High-potential talent leaves to find a better leader elsewhere • The leader's career trajectory stalls as their reputation suffers The good news is self-awareness can be developed with intentional effort. Here are 3 strategies I use to help leaders close this gap: #1 Institutionalize Feedback Implement regular 360-degree reviews to gather input from direct reports, peers and managers. Supplement with frequent informal check-ins. The key is to position feedback as a gift – not a threat. #2 Leverage Assessments Use scientifically validated tools like StrengthsFinder or DISC to build self-understanding. Debriefing the results with a certified coach provides powerful "aha" moments and actionable insights. #3 Examine Impact vs. Intent Have leaders map out pivotal team interactions and objectively compare their intended impact with the actual impact on others. The gaps are often revelatory and become focus areas for adjustment. As self-awareness grows, I've seen leaders transform in powerful ways: • They mend strained relationships and build deep trust and loyalty • They start showing up in a way that inspires and engages their teams • They make better decisions by accounting for their natural tendencies and biases Helping a leader close their self-awareness gap is some of my most gratifying and high-impact work. The ripple effects on their team, organization and career are immense. If you're in a leadership role, don't let a lack of self-awareness hold you back. Proactively seek to understand your strengths, blind spots and impact. It takes humility and courage, but the payoff is well worth it - for you and everyone you lead. Join the 12,000+ leaders who get our weekly email newsletter.  https://lnkd.in/en9vxeNk

I've been reluctant to share this, but it needs to be said. So you've got the MBA, the awards, and that corner office with a view—but have you ever wondered why you're still not feeling like the impactful leader you set out to be? Maybe it's time to hit the pause button on stacking credentials and start a different kind of journey—the one inward. Trust me, a self-aware, emotionally intelligent leader is not just good for business; it's life-altering for everyone involved. Stick with me and let's delve into how you can transcend the ordinary and become extraordinary. Firstly, let's talk about reactivity. You've been in those meetings—someone throws you a curveball and your impulse is to snap. Reactive leadership can cause more damage than any business error. It erodes trust, spreads toxicity, and stifles creativity. The solution? Emotional intelligence. Knowing yourself is the first step in managing how you respond to the world around you. Practicing mindfulness and self-reflection can help you take that crucial pause before you react, giving you a moment to choose a constructive path. But how's your relationship with the person in the mirror? You might be an expert at negotiating deals, but have you negotiated peace with yourself? If you're driving yourself ruthlessly, working insane hours, and sacrificing personal well-being for success, it's time for a reality check. Loving yourself isn't an act of vanity—it's the foundation of enduring leadership. Work-life balance isn't just a buzzword; it's a necessity. So give yourself the time, the space, and the grace to be human. Ah, yes, the past—our constant, uninvited guest. We've all got some luggage, don't we? The skeletons in our closets don't just affect our personal lives; they echo in boardrooms and team meetings. If you have unresolved issues, they'll make you a flight risk in the leadership role. I'm talking about those deep-seated fears, those unresolved anguishes—you know what they are. Don't bury them; face them. Speak to a counselor, get coaching, or attend self-improvement workshops. Addressing your past traumas isn't a sign of weakness; it's a powerful move towards becoming a more authentic, resilient leader. So, step back from the race for yet another accolade, and invest in the most valuable asset you have—you. When you emerge as a self-aware, balanced, and compassionate leader, you won't just be running a business; you'll be inspiring lives. Because at the end of the day, leadership isn't about the titles or the corner offices; it's about impact. And there's no greater impact than leading with an open, fully-embodied heart. Are you ready for this transformative journey? Let's do this!

The Transformative Power of Vulnerability in Leadership 💡 The greatest myth in leadership? The infallible leader. The truth? Authentic leadership stems from embracing vulnerability, learning from missteps, and understanding it’s the journey towards growth that matters. 🌱 Be Genuine People value authenticity. A leader who owns their mistakes and seeks feedback creates an atmosphere where everyone feels safe to be themselves and share openly. Simple not easy:) 🌱 Constant Growth The journey of leadership isn’t about being the best from day one; it's a continuous evolution. Embracing vulnerability means acknowledging areas of improvement and actively working towards them. 🌱 Connect Emotionally  Vulnerability fosters deep connections. By sharing challenges, fears, and aspirations, you bridge the gap between being a 'boss' and a relatable, understanding human. 🌱 Empower Through Empathy When a leader showcases vulnerability, it breeds empathy. Empathetic leadership understands the team's needs, fears, and aspirations, driving tailored strategies for collective success. The future of leadership is not in masks of perfection, but in the raw, genuine, and authentic connections you forge. The paradox of vulnerability is that by showing our 'weaknesses', we showcase our strength. Questions to consider on your leadership journey: When was the last time you shared a personal learning experience or mistake with your team, and what impact did it have? How can showcasing vulnerability enhance your team's trust and cohesiveness? Embrace vulnerability. It's not just about being genuine; it's about being genuinely impactful. #leadership #management #antiracism #culture #change

Our team starts off every week with a Monday team meeting where the first thing we do is talk about our failures from the previous week... What I discovered a long time ago is that if you want to be a successful and authentic leader, you can't hide behind the varnish of "perfection." The most successful leaders -- those who inspire their people to greatness -- have all figured out that showing up honestly and authentically is a superpower that helps them build deep trust across their teams. All too often I encounter senior-level people who think that they can't be themselves in front of their people. That they can't ever show weakness and have to hide their failures. Here's the thing...you're not hiding it. Your people see you for who you really are, whether you realize it or not. When you try to hide your flaws or failures, they see that too. And that's where trust is lost. Here are three simple things you can start doing right now to show up more authentically and inspire greater trust with your team: 1. Be the first to admit when you fail. Whether in the big things or the small things, own your crap, and tell your people when you mess up. 2. When one of your people comes to you (probably in fear) to admit where they've failed, respond in humility and with compassion. I've also found that taking that opportunity to tell them about one of your previous failures helps to make them feel better in the moment and reminds them that everyone fails. 3. Admit when you don't know something, and encourage others to help you learn and grow by sharing their wisdom with you.

Leadership Insights: Learning to Stop for Growth Just getting into my new read of the year, "What Got You Here Won't Get You There" by Marshall Goldsmith. I was quickly inspired by Peter Drucker's wisdom, "We spend a lot of time teaching leaders what to do. We don't spend enough time teaching leaders what to stop. Half the leaders I have met don't need to learn what to do. They need to learn what to stop." This resonates deeply with the essence of leadership evolution; my evolution. Growth isn't just about acquiring new skills; it's equally about shedding old habits. Goldsmith brilliantly highlights the importance of self-awareness and the courage to identify behaviors that might hinder our journey to becoming better leaders and people. Habits Leaders Need to Stop (A few favorites): 1. Not Taking Time to Reflect: Regular self-reflection is essential for leadership growth. 2. Ignoring Personal Well-being: Prioritize self-care; a healthy leader is a resilient leader. 3. Not Listening: Actively listen without interruptions; understanding precedes effective leadership. 4. Being Defensive: Accept feedback gracefully; defensiveness inhibits personal growth. 5. Failing to Celebrate Wins: Acknowledge achievements; celebrate successes with the team. 6. Clinging to the Past: Embrace change; don't let past successes limit future opportunities. 7. Not Having a Clear Vision: Define a clear vision for yourself and your team; clarity inspires. 8. Avoiding Difficult Conversations: Tackle challenges head-on; constructive conversations are catalysts for improvement. 9. Neglecting Professional Development: Stay curious; continuously invest in your leadership skills. 10. Lacking Gratitude: Express gratitude; appreciation fuels motivation and commitment. Leadership Growth Tips: • Self-Reflection: Regularly assess your leadership style and its impact. • Seek Feedback: Actively solicit input from peers, subordinates, and mentors. • Continuous Learning: Stay curious; invest time in expanding your leadership toolkit. • Actionable Goals: Develop a plan to replace old habits with positive ones. Remember, leadership is a journey, not a destination. Let's commit to not only learning new skills but also unlearning habits that might be holding us back. What behaviors do you believe leaders, or you for that matter, should "stop" for continuous growth? Share your thoughts! #Leadership #PersonalGrowth #LeadershipDevelopment #LeadershipInsights #BookRecommendation

What's Happening Behind the Scenes of Your Leadership? Leaders often wonder why their team doesn't share essential updates or waits until the last minute, leading to frustration. It's easy to judge their actions without understanding the context. We tend to assess ourselves based on our intentions and judge our team based on their seemingly disorganized actions or inaction. If you are tired of leading in the dark, it might be time to switch on the light of self-awareness! Self-awareness is not just about your actions but also about your "behind-the-scenes" self — your identity, beliefs, mindsets and emotions. These internal factors influence how you lead and how your team perceives and performs. When coaching leaders in similar situations, I often ask them to consider why they think their team behaved in a certain way, not to place blame but to evaluate the leader's self-awareness and willingness to see all perspectives. Self-awareness helps you recognize and manage your response rather than reacting impulsively. Expanding your self-awareness requires introspection and acknowledging your role in the team dynamics. To deepen your self-awareness: Pause when you feel defensive or reactive. Embrace curiosity. Ask yourself: 1. Am I approaching this situation defensively or with open curiosity to understand? 2. How are my current reactions serving the team's well-being and success? 3. What specific behavior can I consciously practice now to achieve a positive outcome? Initially, this practice may feel awkward, but the discomfort is temporary. Consistency will bring you clarity, build trust, and help you lead with greater ease. Image: @VisuallyNeeded (via Instagram) ♻ Repost to help your network pause and lead with more ease. #LeadershipDevelopment #ExecutiveCoaching #TeamDynamics 

Leading #Change ➡ starts with Self Awareness Driving projects to create transformational #change in times of high uncertainties can be tough. But it's a crucial skill for leaders to manage and align constant changes within their organization. I believe that an authentic reflection of own behavior patterns, limiting thoughts, and active practicing of new behaviors everyday an help significantly increase the chances of success for change projects. A recent Harvard Business Review article outlines a simple process to get started with a change mindset: 1. 𝗜𝗻𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝗦𝗲𝗹𝗳-𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 Proactively seek peer feedback on how you are perceived. If feedback is considered as unnecessary one might lose out by leaving the situation it in the hands of external circumstances. 2. 𝗠𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗶𝘁𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 Making commitment to others like team members can raise the likelihood of success. A simple example is listening more rather than focusing on making your point with your answer. 3. 𝗢𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 Good intentions might be overruled by reactions caused by personal trigger points. Reflecting on fixed patterns from the past and value different perspectives can lead to better outcomes. 4. 𝗣𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗲 Constant practice and acknowledgement of successful little changes can be opportunities to learn, e.g. by a team meeting with a quick round of issues that team members would like to adress. The quote by Peter Drucker embraces this process quite well: "𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙢𝙤𝙨𝙩 𝙚𝙛𝙛𝙚𝙘𝙩𝙞𝙫𝙚 𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙢 𝙤𝙛 𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙚 𝙞𝙨 𝙩𝙤 𝙘𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙩𝙚 𝙞𝙩." #strategy #companyculture #esg #feedbackculture #leadership #changemanagement https://lnkd.in/e4imdYnM Picture: https://lnkd.in/eTkzQjWq

Post #4: The Power of Authenticity: Lessons from the Battlefield to the Boardroom I've learned many valuable lessons throughout my life, notably during my time in the U.S. Army. Among these lessons, one of the most impactful ones is the power and importance of authenticity, particularly in leadership roles. The essence of authenticity in leadership is about being true to one's values and principles, maintaining transparency, and holding oneself accountable even in the face of adversity. In the military, these characteristics not only define you as a leader but also deeply impact the morale and resilience of the team. It was my genuine, instinctive reaction to protect my team that guided me during a critical incident involving a suicide bomber. In the corporate world, authenticity plays a similarly significant role. The essence of authentic leadership is not just about strategic decision-making, but also about forging connections on a human level. This approach has been a cornerstone in my journey as an executive, helping to establish trust, encourage open communication, and build a strong team culture. Authentic leaders aren't just guiding their teams with strategic decisions but are also building connections on a human level. This human-centric approach has been pivotal in my journey as an executive, where being forthright about corporate goals (when you know them), transparent in decision-making, and genuine in my interactions has helped foster a cohesive, committed team. Moreover, embracing authenticity also means recognizing and acknowledging our vulnerabilities. Post my military service, I faced a challenging recovery period, grappling with physical limitations and emotional trauma. Accepting and being open about these struggles was integral to my healing and personal growth. This experience taught me that acknowledging our weaknesses doesn't diminish us as leaders—it makes us human and relatable. It allows teams to see that we are not infallible, fostering an environment of empathy and mutual support, essential in both combat and corporate scenarios. So, to all the leaders out there—in the military, in the boardroom, or elsewhere—I urge you to embrace and practice authenticity. Be true to your values, uphold integrity, and allow your human side to show. It is through authenticity that we can forge true connections, cultivate a culture of trust, and lead effectively. Remember, leadership is not about perfection—it's about being genuine, being human, and making a difference. Now, I'd love to hear from you. How do you practice authenticity in your leadership? And how has it shaped your team's dynamics and success? #Leadership #Authenticity #Courage #Management #Teamwork

It’s all too easy to articulate a vision of the ideal company culture—emphasizing values like work-life balance, respect, and open communication. However, as many of us find out, the real challenge lies not in defining these values but in living them, especially when the pressure mounts. Whether it’s sending emails late into the night or working through weekends, these moments test our commitment to the very culture we advocate for. Ironically, in our bid to lead by example, we might set a standard that contradicts our preached values. This dissonance affects personal wellbeing and can erode trust within your team as they struggle to reconcile what you promote with the behaviors you exhibit. It’s a reminder that leadership is as much about introspection and self-regulation as it is about guiding others. Do my actions reflect the values I preach (especially under pressure)? Can I recognize when I’m just following the crowd and correct my course? How regularly do I take stock of my behavior, ensuring it’s in harmony with the values I promote? Building a legacy through self-awareness The journey of leadership is ongoing and has challenges that test your commitment to your values and your ability to be honest with yourself. Yet, it is precisely this commitment that shapes the legacy left within your business and the lives of your team members. Leaders who consistently engage in self-reflection are unafraid to adjust their course and own their mistakes, set the foundation for a culture of integrity and trust, inspiring those around them to strive for authenticity in their actions.

Leadership isn’t a title you wear—it's how you show up every day. CEOs, managers, team leads—we all have a choice about the environment we're creating in our spaces. If we’re not making room for everyone at the table, we're not being the leaders we can be. Authentic leadership means being human first. It means saying, "I don't have all the answers," and actually asking for input. It’s not just about encouraging a diverse environment but recognizing that without our active, vulnerable involvement as leaders, inclusivity remains a buzzword rather than a practice. Remember a time when someone in charge showed their real self? How did that make you feel? For me, it was a mentor who admitted they messed up. That admission didn’t make them look weak; it made them more relatable, more trustworthy. Let's make it clear: The most powerful thing we can do as leaders is to admit our vulnerabilities. It's not about airing personal grievances; it’s about showing you’re approachable. It's telling your team, "I've been where you are, and I get it." Leaders must lead by example. Show your team it's safe to speak up and share ideas. Create an environment where 'different' isn't just accepted; it's wanted. Make sure your leadership style is more than just talk; make it deeply human. That's when real change happens. #leadership #authenticity #inclusion