These tips were published by the TED Ideas website.
Be open about your strengths and weaknesses
An authentic leader does not pretend to have all the answers. By not hiding your minor flaws and weaknesses from subordinates, you show that you are also only human. And you earn their trust. You do not always have to have the answer to everything and if you admit to not knowing something, your employees will appreciate it. Such honesty builds team spirit and shows you are willing to grow with others.
Keep your values consistent
Consistency in values is the cornerstone of authenticity. It is important not only to have strong principles, but also to act on them every day. Your team needs to see your decisions are based on solid and clear principles. Identify what is most important to you as a leader – be it fairness, collaboration, or transparency – and ensure these values resonate in your daily actions.
Communicate honestly but with empathy
Honesty is one of the pillars of authenticity, but it needs to be balanced with empathy. Honest communication should be direct but sensitive to the feelings of others. When communicating with subordinates, try to put yourself in their shoes. If you can not only communicate what you think, but also understand how your employees feel, you will create an atmosphere where they are not afraid to communicate back openly.
Be accessible and natural in your day-to-day interactions
Authenticity is shown not only in big decisions, but also in the little things of everyday life. Don't be the kind of manager who hides away in their office. Make time for informal conversations with subordinates, perhaps about how they're doing or what's going on in their lives. By being approachable and interested in others as people, not just employees, you create an environment where everyone feels valued.
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