Is being your true and full self at work hard? We learn at a very young age to ignore our impulses, to forget about the things that we’re passionate about, or to at least show more restraint.
Over time and with practice, a person can get pretty darn good at holding back their ideas and other aspects that make them special. It shows up especially during those transitions when we take on new roles and meet new people. How can we help ourselves and others bring everything that makes them/us special to work?
In this episode of the Lead with Levity episode, Michelle Harris is here to talk about the importance of authenticity and showing your full self at work.
Episode Highlights:
- Importance of building trust with your team
- Challenges when stepping into a leadership role
- Why is it important to be authentic as a leader?
- What is the Authentic Self Program all about?
- Signs you’re not an authentic leader
- What to do when you doubt yourself as a leader?
- Why being authentic is hard for new employees
- Overcoming Leadership Imposter syndrome
- Being aware and making sure you’re presenting yourself in the best way
- Why having regular team meetings and team activities is a must
Why Authenticity Matters in Leadership
Authenticity is more than a buzzword—it’s the foundation for building trust and creating environments where teams thrive. Michelle shared that being your authentic self isn’t just about personal growth—it’s a leadership imperative.
“Being authentic is hard,” Michelle explains. “Especially when stepping into a new role, you might feel pressure to play a part, whether it’s being tough on people or letting them take the reins. But when you’re not true to yourself, your team can sense it. They’ll feel uncomfortable and may even struggle to trust you.”
The Challenge of Leadership in Today’s World
New leaders face unique challenges, from adapting to hybrid work environments to managing team dynamics in uncertain economic times. According to Michelle, the core challenges remain the same:
- Building Trust: Trust is the cornerstone of any effective team. Without it, even the best-laid plans falter.
- Delegation: Many leaders struggle with letting go of tasks, whether out of fear of overburdening their team or believing they can do it faster or better themselves.
- Feedback: Delivering critical feedback in a way that’s empathetic and constructive can be daunting but is essential for growth.
How to Build Trust as a Leader
Michelle emphasized the importance of regular touchpoints with your team to foster connection and alignment:
- One-on-One Meetings: Don’t skip them. These are critical opportunities to check in on priorities and build rapport.
- Team Meetings: Create a sense of unity and shared purpose by regularly bringing everyone together.
- Authenticity: When you show up as your true self, you encourage your team to do the same. This lays the foundation for open, honest communication.
Signs You’re Not Being Authentic
Sometimes, leaders don’t realize when they’re masking their true selves. Michelle shared some common signals to watch for:
- Discomfort: You feel uneasy or out of place in certain situations.
- External Validation: You’re overly concerned with meeting others’ expectations rather than your own values.
- Self-Doubt: You question your actions, wondering if they align with who you truly are.
To help leaders uncover their authentic selves, The Boss Track encourages introspection through exercises like identifying your leadership persona. This includes reflecting on how you want to speak, dress, and lead in a way that feels genuine.
Practical Tips for Staying Authentic
Michelle believes authenticity isn’t about “teaching” someone to be themselves—it’s about creating space for self-discovery. Here are some strategies she recommends:
- Reflect Regularly: Set aside time each week to evaluate how you’re showing up and whether it aligns with your values.
- Ask for Feedback: Use one-on-one meetings to seek input from your team about how you’re doing as a leader.
- Be Intentional: When making decisions, pause to consider if they reflect your authentic self or external pressures.
How to Have Fun as a Leader
Leadership can be stressful, but it doesn’t have to be joyless. Michelle offered several ways new leaders can inject fun and positivity into their roles:
- Build a Hype Squad: Surround yourself with peers or mentors who uplift and encourage you.
- Power Poses and Music: Strike a confident pose or blast your favorite pump-up song (Michelle loves Unstoppable). These small actions can boost your energy and mindset.
- Team-Building Activities: Create opportunities for your team to bond and laugh together, even in a virtual setting. A connected team is a resilient team.
Your Leadership Journey Starts Here
Whether you’re a brand-new leader or someone looking to refine your approach, Michelle’s advice is clear: authenticity, trust, and connection are the pillars of great leadership. By showing up as your true self and fostering an environment where others can do the same, you’ll not only thrive as a leader but also create a team that performs at its best.
For more leadership tips and resources, check out The Boss Track at thebosstrack.com. Follow them on Instagram or tune into their podcast, Her Hype Squad with Boss Track, for actionable insights.
About Michelle Harris
Michelle Harris founded Bosstrack in 2021 to provide women new to leadership roles with the development, support and mentorship she found lacking for new leaders. Often little thought is given to the new tools and perspectives needed to lead and, as a result, new leaders are expected to just “figure things out”.
