Leadership doesn’t only happen when you’re managing a team or running a business. As a coach or consultant, you’re leading every day – through your decisions, your boundaries, and the way you show up for your clients, family, and community.
I talk about authentic leadership a lot, and I want to be clear about what I mean. It’s not about dramatic gestures, fancy words, or walking away (grumbling) when things get tough. It’s about integrity, self-awareness, and staying true to your values. It means leading yourself first, keeping commitments to yourself, setting boundaries, and staying grounded in who you are.
You lead when you guide a client through a breakthrough. When you set an example for your family. When you step up in a volunteer role or inspire others simply by living in alignment with who you are. Leadership is in the way you listen, the way you respond, and the way you hold yourself accountable.
Leading authentically doesn’t happen by accident. It takes reflection, a willingness to embrace imperfection, and the courage to receive feedback. It’s about leading with purpose, not pressure.
So, take a moment to consider. How are you leading, in business, and in every part of your life? How do you show up? What do you stand for? What impact are you having? Be open to challenge, to growth, and to stepping fully into the leader you’re meant to be.
The Courage to Show Your True Self
Authentic leadership isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about having the courage to be real. Strength isn’t found in perfection but in honesty. Owning your mistakes, admitting uncertainty, and showing up as a human first, not just a leader, creates deeper trust and connection.
Small moments matter. The way you listen. The conversations you have. The space you create for others to step up.
Take the time to make someone a coffee, have a conversation, and get to know the people around you. Leadership isn’t about constantly performing to meet expectations; it’s about leading yourself.
- Think of a time when admitting uncertainty strengthened your connection with your team, a client, a peer, or your community. What did you learn?
- What holds you back from being more open about your leadership journey?
- How do you create an environment where those around you feel safe to share challenges? Are you encouraging decision-making, or are you always providing the answers? Try shifting from solving every problem, try asking: What’s the challenge? What’s happening? What do you need from me?
- If you could let go of one professional ‘mask’ you wear in your professional life, what would it be, and how might that change how you lead?
Living Your Values, Not Just Speaking Them
Your values shape your leadership. Not your words, but your actions. People notice what you do far more than what you say.
- If your clients, peers, or family described your core principles based on your actions, what would they say?
- Where do you see gaps between your values and your daily leadership decisions?
- What three non-negotiable principles define how you lead, and how do you live them each day?
- How do your personal values shape your business decisions, your coaching, and the way you show up for others?
Leading with Purpose Beyond Your Role
Leadership is defined by the difference you make, not the position you hold.
The most authentic leaders are driven by a purpose greater than themselves. They understand their ‘why’ and use it to create meaningful change.
These leaders possess a clear vision that inspires others to rally around a common goal. They communicate their purpose effectively, nurturing a sense of belonging and commitment within their teams. By aligning individual strengths with the overarching mission, they empower others to contribute their best efforts.
As you reflect on your own leadership journey, consider these questions:
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If you could dedicate your work to solving one major challenge, what would it be, and why does it matter to you?
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When you think about your legacy – not just your business achievements but the real impact you leave behind – what do you want it to be?
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What key experiences or relationships have shaped your sense of purpose?
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How are you empowering others to step into their own leadership and take ownership of their growth?
Navigating Emotions with Wisdom and Empathy
Emotional intelligence is a core part of authentic leadership. It’s not about suppressing emotions or avoiding discomfort, it’s about recognising, understanding, and using emotions wisely.
Emotions aren’t obstacles to overcome; they’re important signals to pay attention to. In psychological terms, emotions follow a natural cycle: they arise, peak, and resolve. True emotional intelligence means allowing emotions to move through their full cycle, feeling them, understanding their message, and responding with clarity.
When ignored, or pushed away without going through their full cycle, they linger beneath the surface, influencing decisions (often negatively) in ways we don’t always realise.
A simple way to process emotions instead of dismissing or avoiding them is to use the “Name, Feel, Reflect, Release” approach:
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- Name it – Identify the emotion. Instead of saying, “I feel off,” try, “I feel frustrated” or “I feel overwhelmed.” Naming emotions reduces their intensity. Using an emotion wheel can help.
- Feel it – Allow yourself to fully experience the emotion without judgment. Take a breath and notice where you feel it in your body. Avoid rushing to fix it.
- Reflect on it – Ask yourself: What is this emotion trying to tell me? Emotions often signal unmet needs, values being challenged, or important boundaries.
- Release it – Express or move through the emotion in a healthy way. This could be deep breathing, journaling, talking it out, or physical movement like walking or stretching.
The goal isn’t to get rid of emotions but to acknowledge and process them so they don’t linger beneath the surface, influencing your decisions without awareness.
The Path Forward
Authentic leadership is a lifelong journey of self-discovery, alignment, and growth. Reflecting on these questions can provide powerful insights into your leadership style, highlighting both strengths and areas for development.
Approach this process with honesty, curiosity, and a commitment to growth. By leading with authenticity and empathy, you not only strengthen your leadership but also create a lasting impact – on your team, your business, and beyond.
Ready to lead with authenticity?
If you need assistance uncovering your true leadership potential and making a real impact, let’s talk.
Schedule a complimentary discovery call today.
