“Behavior, in all its forms, is a window: into the feelings, thoughts, urges, sensations, perceptions, and unmet needs of a person. Behavior is never ‘the story’ but rather it’s a clue to the bigger story begging to be addressed.” - Dr. Becky Kennedy
Nothing reveals more about ourselves than our behaviors, especially during challenging times. This is the truest indication of who we really are, what we are made of, and what others can expect from us.
Beyond behavior, a major indicator of a person's true colors is the consistency between what we say and what we do. There has to be a continuum; inconsistency is easy to spot. Human beings are naturally attuned to detect inconsistencies in others.
As leaders, our mission is to inspire, drive change, and yield long-term value for our organizations during our tenure and beyond. We can only achieve this through trust. We will undoubtedly make mistakes along the way, yet we will be continuously assessed as leaders.
How can you navigate your true self and become an inspiring leader in a continuously evolving world? Join us and let's talk about it!
Table of Contents
Know Yourself
You are not the best version of yourself yet. As part of the evolving process in which you reflect on yourself and become a better leader, you must be comfortable enough to be transparent with people. This isn't just about being open; it's about being true to yourself and who you are, with your motivations and principles on the table. Easy to say, right? It's about allowing yourself to be human—making mistakes, acting on them, taking responsibility, amending, and moving on.
In most cases, the way to do this is to hold yourself and others accountable for your/their responsibilities. Lead by example, but do not exempt yourself from the standards you set for others.
When thinking about the organization, a crucial element is building trust, and this is not a one-time event; it is a continuous process. Authenticity is the foundation upon which trust is built. When your actions align with your words, you establish a reliable and trustworthy persona. This consistency reassures your team and stakeholders that you are dependable, even when the going gets tough.
"The better you know yourself, the better your relationship with the rest of the world." - Toni Collette
Vulnerability is often seen as a weakness, but in reality, it is a strength. By embracing vulnerability, you open up pathways to genuine connections with your team. When you show your human side, you encourage others to do the same, fostering an environment of mutual respect and understanding.
The true test of leadership comes during times of adversity. How you respond to challenges reveals your character and sets the tone for your organization. By maintaining your integrity and staying true to your values, you demonstrate resilience and inspire your team to persevere.
5 Tips to Become an Inspiring Leader
Tip 1. Embrace Transparency and Authenticity
Transparency is the cornerstone of trust. To be an inspiring leader, be open about your intentions, decisions, and the challenges you face. Authenticity comes from aligning your actions with your words and values. When your team sees that you are genuine and consistent, they are more likely to trust and follow you.
Example: Share your personal experiences and lessons learned from both successes and failures in meetings. This openness encourages your team to do the same, fostering a culture of honesty and continuous improvement.
Tip 2. Cultivate Emotional Intelligence
Emotional intelligence (EI) is the ability to understand and manage your own emotions while also recognizing and influencing the emotions of others. High EI helps you navigate social complexities and lead with empathy.
Example: Practice active listening during conversations, acknowledging your team's feelings and showing empathy towards their concerns. This approach builds strong relationships and a supportive team environment.
Tip 3. Empower and Delegate
Empowering your team involves trusting them with responsibilities and giving them the autonomy to make decisions. Delegation is not just about offloading tasks but about developing your team's skills and confidence.
Example: Assign challenging projects to team members based on their strengths and interests. Provide the necessary resources and support, then step back and let them take the lead. Celebrate their successes and learn from any setbacks together.
Tip 4. Lead by Example
Your actions set the standard for your team's behavior. Leading by example means demonstrating the values, work ethic, and commitment you expect from your team.
Example: If you expect punctuality and dedication, ensure that you are consistently punctual and dedicated yourself. Participate in team activities and show the same level of enthusiasm and effort you wish to see in your team.
Tip 5. Foster a Culture of Continuous Learning
Inspiring leaders encourage their teams to continuously seek knowledge and improvement. This can be achieved by creating an environment where learning is valued and mistakes are seen as opportunities for growth.
Example: Implement regular training sessions, workshops, or team-building activities focused on skill development. Encourage team members to share what they have learned from external courses or conferences. Promote a growth mindset by recognizing and rewarding efforts to learn and innovate.
5 Strategies to Expose Your True Leadership Colors
"Integrity is choosing your thoughts and actions based on values rather than personal gain." - Chris Karcher
Exposing your true colors as a leader means revealing your authentic self—your values, beliefs, strengths, and vulnerabilities. This transparency is not just a moral obligation; it is a strategic imperative that can transform your organization and positively impact your staff.
Strategy 1: Building Trust and Credibility
Trust is the foundation of any successful organization. When leaders are transparent about their intentions and consistent in their actions, they build credibility. Your team needs to know that they can rely on you, not just when things are going well, but especially during challenging times. By showing your true colors, you demonstrate integrity and honesty, which in turn fosters a culture of trust.
Example: Share your decision-making processes and the reasoning behind them with your team. When they understand your motivations and see that you are guided by consistent principles, their trust in your leadership deepens.
Strategy 2: Fostering a Positive Organizational Culture
A leader's authenticity sets the tone for the entire organization. When leaders are genuine, it encourages employees to be themselves, leading to a more inclusive and supportive work environment. This openness promotes collaboration, innovation, and a sense of belonging among staff members.
Example: Encourage open dialogue and create safe spaces for team members to express their ideas and concerns. Celebrate diverse perspectives and show appreciation for the unique contributions each individual brings to the team.
Strategy 3: Enhancing Employee Engagement and Motivation
Employees are more engaged and motivated when they feel they are working for a leader who is real and relatable. Authentic leaders inspire loyalty and dedication because their actions resonate with the values and aspirations of their team.
Example: Be approachable and take time to connect with your team on a personal level. Share your own challenges and how you overcome them, demonstrating resilience and a commitment to continuous growth. This approach makes you more relatable and inspires your team to persevere through their own challenges.
Strategy 4: Driving Accountability and Performance
When you expose your true colors, you set a standard of accountability. By being transparent about your expectations and holding yourself to the same standards, you create a culture where accountability is valued. This clarity drives performance as employees understand what is expected of them and feel responsible for meeting those expectations.
Example: Regularly review goals and performance metrics with your team. Acknowledge both successes and areas for improvement, and discuss actionable steps for growth. By leading with transparency and accountability, you motivate your team to strive for excellence.
Strategy 5: Encouraging Ethical Decision-Making
Authentic leaders prioritize ethical decision-making, which sets a precedent for the entire organization. When your actions are guided by strong ethical principles, it influences the behavior of your staff, leading to a more ethical and responsible organizational culture.
Example: When faced with difficult decisions, openly discuss the ethical considerations involved and how they align with the organization's values. This approach not only reinforces the importance of ethics but also educates your team on how to navigate complex situations with integrity.
The Ripple Effect of Authentic Leadership
Exposing your true colors as a leader has a profound ripple effect throughout the organization. It creates an environment where trust, engagement, and accountability thrive. Your authenticity empowers employees to bring their whole selves to work, fostering innovation and collaboration. Ultimately, it leads to a more resilient, ethical, and high-performing organization.
By revealing your true colors, you pave the way for a transparent, inclusive, and dynamic workplace where everyone feels valued and motivated to contribute their best. This authenticity is not just beneficial; it is transformative, driving long-term success for both the organization and its people.
Embrace authentic leadership—where revealing your true colors becomes the backbone of a thriving, empowered, and forward-thinking organization.
So true, so factual