FAKE IT TILL YOU MAKE IT? Executive coaching for founders leadership coaching and training and leader development

▪️ Isn't better to Lead with Authenticity? ▪️ 

I encounter this concept quite often in coaching, I've seen it play out at work and have even dipped my toe into this concept in my early days of management. In my early days of my career I've also been managed by leaders 'faking it' and it doesn't feel good or motivating at all.

In leadership, the idea of "fake it till you make it" is often a route that some leaders embody as they think its what they should be doing to get ahead and prove that they are these 'killer' leaders. 

Authentic leadership is about embracing your true self, your strengths, and your vulnerabilities and when you do this it can have a far greater impact on your team and organisational culture than trying to fit into an image of what you think a leader should be.

Its not about being a distant figure who simply follows the old adage of "do what I say, not what I do." It can be about showing up, rolling up your sleeves, and doing the work right alongside your team. 

It can be about understanding the challenges your team face, empathising with their struggles, and offering guidance in a way that feels real and grounded.

When you’re authentic, your team feels seen, heard, and understood and you feel happier and more fulfilled. Playing a role and going against the grain at work can be exhausting and lead to burn out and it can even begin to effect life outside of work. 

Your team won’t just follow your direction but they can be inspired by your example and will follow you and the company during in tough times. 

Its also about being yourself in those senior settings, having confidence to share ideas and to ask for support from your peers. 

So how can we be these authentic leaders?

🔸 Embrace your strengths: Trust in your skills and abilities, but don’t be afraid to acknowledge areas where you’re still learning. 

🔸 Seek feedback and take it with grace: Growth comes from understanding where you can improve. Make feedback a regular part of your leadership journey, and show appreciation for it, even when it’s tough to hear.

🔸 Get involved: Lead by example. Spend time with your team, understand their work, & get to know the people behind the tasks. It’s through this connection that you’ll understand what truly drives performance.

🔸 Lead from within, not from above: Instead of putting on a façade of invulnerability or distance, lean into vulnerability. Be honest about your challenges & what you’re working on. This helps create a culture where everyone feels comfortable sharing ideas and taking risks.

🔸 Be confident in you as a person - take some time to figure out your values, strengths and development areas. Also, reflect on why you feel you need to 'fake it'

As humans we have the ability to sense authenticity and are motivated by trusting, secure and encouraging dynamics rather than fake authority. 

Be the leader you are, not the one you think you should be.

Executive coaching for founders and Leadership coaching for tech

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