Part 1 - Seven Essential Skills Critical For Leaders - Authenticity

To be a leader in today’s workforce is challenging and complex. Forces of change are requiring leaders to re-evaluate how they lead and how they can capture the opportunities emerging from the ever changing landscape of the future workforce. The current workforce is a diverse, multigenerational population that is constantly being influenced by the rapid change of business process, technology, and a virtual/hybrid work environment that requires leaders to be focused on engaging people and their skills to be successful in moving the strategy, goals and work forward. 

This ever changing and competitive business environment has produced a human engagement deficit in the workforce. Statistical data from a Gallup Poll (see below link) suggests loneliness and burnout are increasing and the sense of cohesion and connection is decreasing. The current work environment will require leaders to change how they lead to be successful in creating, aligning and executing the vision and the work. Over the course of my 35 year career as a Human Resource Manager and Leadership Coach, I have identified seven essential skills that will be critical for leaders to utilize and master to succeed in moving the work forward.

For this post, I will share the essential skill of Authenticity. Authentic leadership emphasizes genuineness, transparency, and integrity. Authentic leaders are true to their values, and they lead with a high level of self-awareness and emotional intelligence.  Unlike other leadership styles that may rely on positional power, authentic leadership is rooted in the leader's character and ethics. Authentic leaders are genuinely interested in nurturing meaningful relationships with team members. They engage their team in the organization's mission. They are true to the word ‘authentic’ in that they are honest, open, vulnerable, and genuine. As owner of RCJ Consulting (a leadership and performance consulting business located in New Jersey), my clients have shared with me and truly believe authenticity at work leads to higher levels of trust and a more positive workplace. As leaders, what more do we need to hear?  This is where the workforce is at, as leaders, we need to meet them there!

So how do I become an authentic leader? Becoming an authentic leader is a journey that involves continuous self-reflection, personal growth, and a commitment to being true to your values. Here are some practical steps to help you develop your authentic leadership style. 

• Develop self awareness

• Engage Emotional Intelligence

• Be true to your values

• Be transparent

• Consider other perspectives

• Be purpose driven

• Commit to constant growth

• Have empathic conversations

Today’s work environment requires the skills of an authentic leader, so keep it real, be honest, be open and consistent in everything you do.

Next week's post I will share the second essential skill for leading the workforce, Empathy.