The challenges of authentic leadership : how to stay true to your values

Authentic leadership

Introduction

During my last coaching session with the directors of an IT department in a large company, I met a manager facing a real dilemma. Right from the start of our exchange, I sensed a tension, an inner struggle. Over the course of our discussions, this manager shared his challenge: how to reconcile his own vision of management, based on collaboration and authenticity, with the strict and sometimes contradictory expectations of his superior. This profound discrepancy between his personal values and the leadership role he was being asked to embody was obvious. When I told him how I felt, he confirmed that this was a real dilemma for him. This situation, although common, is rarely discussed openly.

Developing the problem

This manager is not an isolated case. In my career as a coach, I've often come across leaders struggling with this kind of internal conflict. They aspire to be authentic and lead with integrity, but often feel constrained by organizational expectations that don't match their core values. This mismatch can lead to loss of motivation, increased stress and reduced performance. Yet this topic remains taboo, rarely addressed in leadership discussions. It's crucial to break this silence and open the debate on the importance of authenticity in leadership.

Importance de l'Authenticité dans le Leadership

To be an authentic leader, it's essential to start by knowing yourself. Understanding your own values, needs and limits is the first step towards true leadership. Tools such as Human Design, MBTI and Process Com can be invaluable in this self-exploration. As a certified Human Design coach, I've seen how this approach can transform the way we perceive ourselves and our professional interactions.

Once you've taken this step, it's important to define your own vision of management. This involves combining personal values with a clear and inspiring vision of leadership. Introspection exercises, in-depth readings on leadership, SWOT analyses and pink/black scenarios can help clarify this vision. For example, during my tailor-made sessions, I accompany my clients through these exercises to align their vision with their professional goals.

Striking a balance

The real challenge then lies in the ability to adapt one's leadership style to strike a balance between the company's expectations and one's own vision. This requires flexibility and a healthy dose of courage. It's crucial to remain true to one's values while meeting the demands of the job. Consistency between one's actions and one's convictions strengthens credibility and inspires trust within teams.

Conclusion

In conclusion, being an authentic leader in an ever-changing world is a daunting challenge, but it's also an opportunity for those who dare to be true to themselves. By understanding their values and clearly defining their leadership vision, managers can successfully navigate between their personal aspirations and professional expectations.

If you are a HR or middle manager facing these challenges, I invite you to contact me. Together, we can explore these issues and develop solutions tailored to your context. My personalized approach and proven tools can help you become the authentic leader you aspire to be. Click here to book an appointment with me via Calendly and let's discover how I can accompany you on this journey towards authentic and effective leadership.