Insights

You can't just talk the talk, you have to walk the walk. First time I heard that, I loved it, but I thought, "OK, how do walking and talking fit in here, and which one is the important one"? Yup, I was young, a bit naive and not very leadership savvy...yet. But I was from Philly, rather direct and sometimes too honest...so I was walking that walk alot. (Yes, I talked alot too!). But you know what I really was? Authentic.

I write about leadership, mainly because I feel it's important. Leaders lead, they set the tone and establish a culture. They are there in times of crisis, they help their teams find their voice, they have a bias to action, and produce results. All things I have written about. And more. But do you know what the best leaders also bring to the table? They are authentic. And people know it, notice it, and gravitate to it. No one wants BS, and no wants to follow a "leader" who is full of it. You see, they know the difference, and recognize someone who is talking and not walking.

You want to be a great leader, be authentic. But how, you ask? What does that really mean. Well, as always, here are three tips to becoming an authentic leader:

1. Say what you mean and mean what you say. Honesty. Truth. Direct conversations. They all matter. Good news or bad news, speak the truth at all times. Doesn't mean you hide optimism, and don't seek a silver lining, but be direct. Also choose your spots. Authenticity isn't about calling people out publicly. It isn't about being the smartest one in the room. But be honest and follow through on your commitments.

2. Put yourself out there. Be vulnerable, be open, be a team member. Sit with your folks and ask them how they are doing, both in work and outside of work. Join the potluck lunches, participate in team events, show up after work and smile, laugh and be silly at times. Yes, you have the title and the corner office. Spend as little time there as possible. Get out there!

3. Be consistent...but be different. An authentic leader needs to follow through on their words with actions. You made a commitment; you must see it through. If things change, you need to explain the variables and why the path will look different. You also need to challenge the status quo. Take the road less traveled. Be the contrarian. As long as your decisions align with your values...and with what you said (the talk part) then don't be afraid to be the only person on a side of an issue. (the walk part). You won't always be right, but you will always be authentic. (And good to have data back it up!)

You see leadership is actually really simple. All you need to do is be yourself.