Being an authentic leader does not give you the right to be an a$$hole.

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Let's face it - some leaders out there use the concept of "authenticity" as an excuse to be rude, disrespectful, and even abusive to their employees. They argue that being authentic means being true to themselves and sometimes being blunt or confrontational, even if it hurts other people's feelings.

But being authentic does not mean being a butt face (that is what my kids may say). Genuine authenticity is about honesty and transparency while treating others respectfully and kindly.


Authentic leaders understand that their behavior and attitude sets the tone for the entire organization. For example, if they are rude and disrespectful to their employees, they create a toxic culture where people are afraid to speak up, take risks, or be creative. On the other hand, if they are respectful and supportive, they create a culture where people feel safe to be themselves and do their best work. The work of Bill George, Brené Brown, or me dives into the how, why, and what you can do.


It's also worth noting that there are more effective leadership strategies than being an a-hole. You might get short-term results by bullying or intimidating your employees, but you will lose their trust and respect in the long run. As a result, they will either leave the company or disengage, hurting your team's productivity and morale.


So, how can you be an authentic leader without being an asshole? Here are a few tips:

  1. Practice compassion: Put yourself in your employee's shoes and try to understand their perspectives and concerns. 
  2. Be honest but tactful: Authenticity does not mean saying whatever is on your mind without considering the consequences. It means being honest and transparent but also using tact and diplomacy to avoid hurting others unnecessarily.
  3. Listen actively: Encourage your employees to share their ideas and opinions and listen to what they say. Show them that you value their input and are open to feedback.
  4. Be relatable: Take time to create a micro-moment between yourself, your team, your manager, or just anyone....it will put a smile on their face and yours. 


To land the plane here, being an authentic leader does not give you the right to be an asshole. Instead, authenticity is about honesty and transparency while treating others respectfully and kindly, working on being a better version of yourself. By practicing compassion, honesty, listening actively, and relatableness, you can be an authentic leader who inspires and motivates your team without resorting to abusive or disrespectful behavior.


All the best, 

James

drjameskelley.com

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