Who Are You as a Leader? Reflections on Authentic Leadership

When you look in the mirror,

who do you see?

The answer might seem obvious—you see yourself, a leader navigating challenges, making decisions, and guiding others. But the real question is: do others see you the same way you see yourself? How do you truly know? Leadership isn’t just about titles and responsibilities; it’s about influence, trust, and impact. The way we perceive ourselves might differ significantly from how others experience us. Some leaders view themselves as approachable and visionary, yet their teams might experience them as distant or overly focused on results. Bridging this gap is essential for building authentic leadership. What Is Authentic Leadership? Authentic leadership is grounded in self-awareness, transparency, and genuine connection. It’s not about mimicking a style or fitting into a mold—it’s about leading with integrity, staying true to your values, and fostering trust with those around you.

Authentic leaders:

• Know themselves deeply and consistently reflect on their strengths and areas for growth.

• Lead with honesty, ensuring their actions align with their values.

• Build genuine relationships based on trust and empathy.

• Inspire others by being open, vulnerable, and real.

  
  

The Energy-Saving Power of Authentic Leadership

Trying to be someone you’re not—adapting an artificial leadership persona—can be exhausting. It requires constant effort to keep up appearances, second-guess your actions, and manage the disconnect between your true self and your projected image. Authentic leadership removes that strain. When you lead authentically, you conserve energy because you’re not spending time performing or pretending. Instead, you channel that energy into meaningful work, deeper connections, and genuine impact. Leadership feels more natural, decisions become clearer, and interactions feel more fulfilling.

How to Cultivate Authentic Leadership

Becoming a truly authentic leader takes work. Here are some ways to develop this leadership style:

Know Your Core Values –

What principles guide your decision-making? Define what matters most to you and lead accordingly.

Seek Honest Feedback –

Ask colleagues, mentors, and team members for insights on how they perceive your leadership. Be open to constructive input.

Practice Self-Awareness –

Regularly reflect on how your behaviors and attitudes impact others. Are you leading in alignment with your values?

Be Transparent & Vulnerable –

Authentic leaders don’t pretend to have all the answers. Embrace challenges with honesty and encourage others to do the same.

Listen More Than You Speak –

Create space for genuine conversations. People respect leaders who take the time to understand their perspectives.

A Self-Reflection Exercise

Take a moment to reflect on your leadership style with these prompts:

How do I describe myself as a leader?

Write down three words that define your leadership approach.

What do I think others would say about me?

Consider how your team or colleagues might describeyour leadership.

Is there a gap between how I see myself and how others see me?

If so, where does it come from? What can I do to bridge it?

Am I leading in alignment with my values?

If not, what small steps can I take to bring my leadership closer to my core beliefs?