As CEO and managing partner of Hanold Associates, Jason Hanold directs a leading retained executive search firm based in the Chicago metro area. Hanold Associates specializes in recruiting Chief People and HR Officers, as well as other C-Suite executives and Board Directors.
Over his many years of experience conducting executive searches for high-profile brands, Jason Hanold has gained insight into the qualities that make exemplary leaders. In this article, he explores how authenticity can set great leaders apart from the rest.
Jason Hanold on the Key Qualities of Authentic Leaders
Authentic leadership revolves around the genuine expression of one’s values, beliefs, and emotions. Authentic leaders are transparent and consistent in their actions, which helps build trust and credibility among their team members.
Transparency
Transparency is a hallmark of authentic leadership. Leaders who communicate openly and honestly build trust and rapport with their team members. This helps foster an organizational culture of openness and collaboration.
Integrity
Authentic leaders consistently embody integrity by upholding moral and ethical principles and consistently showing honesty, fairness, and accountability in their decisions and actions.
Self-Awareness
Authentic leaders have a deep understanding of their strengths, weaknesses, and values. They are reflective and continuously seek to improve themselves and grow as leaders. In addition, self-aware leaders know how to manage their emotions—they acknowledge their feelings but are not ruled by them.
Consistency
Authentic leaders are consistent in their words and actions. They align their behavior with their values and principles. They are reliable and predictable, which helps earn the trust and confidence of their team members.
Jason Hanold on the Impact of Authentic Leadership
Authentic leadership can have a profound impact on organizational dynamics and outcomes.
Building Trust and Credibility
Authentic leadership is vital for building trust and credibility within organizations. Leaders who embody transparency and integrity serve as examples to employees. Over time, this helps create an organizational culture where these values are prioritized.
Trust is also necessary for any leader’s credibility—without it, the leader cannot effectively direct other people. Ultimately, a trust-based work environment encourages a more cohesive, collaborative, and confident team.
Fostering Employee Engagement and Loyalty
Authenticity can improve employee morale, engagement, and loyalty. Through genuine connections and sincerity in actions, authentic leaders engender a sense of belonging and purpose among employees.
This deep-rooted commitment to the organization’s mission and values can boost employee engagement and cultivate long-lasting loyalty among team members.
Driving Organizational Success and Innovation
Authentic leadership is key to organizational success and innovation. A workplace culture of open communication, trust, and mutual respect makes employees feel comfortable to freely share ideas and explore innovative solutions to challenges.
An authentic, inclusive culture encourages collaboration, which can strengthen employees’ ties to each other and create a workplace where people enjoy their jobs.
Jason Hanold on the Best Strategies for Becoming an Authentic Leader
Authenticity in leadership is a practice that can be cultivated through intentional efforts and strategies.
Self-Reflection and Introspection
Effective leaders cultivate authenticity through regular self-reflection and introspection. Taking time to examine their own values, strengths, weaknesses, and motivations allows leaders to gain a deeper understanding of themselves and their impact on others.
Building Genuine Connections
Authentic leaders prioritize building genuine connections with their team members. Leaders can foster trust and rapport within their teams by actively listening, showing empathy, and demonstrating genuine care and concern. This helps create an environment where open communication thrives.
Embracing Vulnerability and Humility
Embracing vulnerability and humility is key to authentic leadership. Leaders who are willing to acknowledge their mistakes, admit when they don’t have all the answers, and show vulnerability in sharing their own experiences can create an atmosphere of authenticity and trust that encourages openness and growth.
Aligning Actions with Values and Principles
Authentic leaders ensure that their actions align with their values and principles. By modeling integrity, consistency, and ethical behaviors, leaders set a powerful example for their team members. This reinforces trust and credibility and fosters an authentic culture throughout the organization.