Authenticity in the workplace and at management level is currently a much-discussed topic. How important is it for managers to present themselves authentically and face their team without pretense? There are various opinions on this, which we would like to discuss with you here. Authentic leadership yes or no? You are welcome to form your own opinion.
Authenticity in the workplace means that your externally perceived actions match your inner attitude. By definition, this automatically means that a leadership style is not authentic if you do not always act according to your inner convictions in your job. Terms such as sincerity and integrity are also closely linked to authenticity in the workplace.
A management role is always associated with a great deal of responsibility. You have to ensure that the company is in the black and at the same time make sure that your employees are doing well. Authenticity in the workplace sounds good and right at first glance - but it should not be confused with authenticity in your private life. Appearing authentic to your family and friends, standing by your ideals and standing up for your convictions is undoubtedly good and right in this environment. But can you follow the same path 100% in your professional life?
Authenticity in the workplace needs its own definition. Professional authenticity is also important for managers because it gives them a face, makes them more approachable and easier for employees to assess. Managers must not play a role that comes across as fake and artificial. It is important so that the team gains trust in their superiors, can assess them better and can also deduce what is expected of them. Trust and honesty are also the most important basis for good relationships in professional life. For managers, authenticity in the workplace is the difference between working exclusively with a focus on results and being able to inspire and enthuse people. The difference between private and professional authenticity in the workplace is simply that not every facet of private thought and action has any place in professional life. While you can hotly debate your political views with friends, this kind of engagement is usually not appropriate in a professional environment.
While the benefits of authenticity in the workplace are relatively clear and understandable for most people, putting them into practice is often difficult. Therefore, here are some tips to help you adopt an authentic leadership style.
In the end, authenticity in the workplace means nothing more than that your words and your actions match. We are happy to support you in developing your own leadership style in the form of coaching and seminars.