In this episode of Lead with Levity, Dr. Heather Walker explores the transformative power of authenticity with Colleen Slaughter, senior executive coach and managing partner at Authentic Leadership International. Colleen’s journey from a young adventurer in Paris to a leadership coach for Fortune 500 companies and Nobel Peace Prize recipients is nothing short of inspiring.
Key Themes from the Episode
1. What Does It Mean to Be Authentic at Work?
Being authentic isn’t about saying, “This is who I am, take it or leave it.” It’s about connection—with yourself, your values, and those around you. Colleen challenges leaders to approach authenticity with intention, asking:
- Are you aware of how your actions affect others?
- Are you living according to your values, or are you caught up in people-pleasing?
- Are you showing up with the courage to share your true self, even when it’s uncomfortable?
2. Overcoming People-Pleasing and Perfectionism
Colleen shares her own journey of shifting from a people-pleaser to someone grounded in her values. She emphasizes the importance of self-compassion:
- Recognize that your essence is always good, even if your behavior falls short.
- Separate mistakes from your identity—your actions may need work, but they don’t define you.
3. Courageous Conversations and Setting Boundaries
Fear of conflict often keeps us from setting boundaries, yet unresolved issues eventually erode relationships. Colleen explains how to:
- Reframe conflict as an opportunity for understanding and growth.
- Use trust as a foundation for open communication.
- Approach difficult conversations with curiosity and care, focusing on mutual growth.
Real-World Example: Jake the Overzealous Manager
The episode includes a compelling case study of Jake, a well-meaning manager whose constant ideas and emails overwhelm his team. Colleen suggests practical solutions:
- For the Team: Encourage them to set boundaries and engage in open dialogue with Jake.
- For Jake: Help him understand the unintended impact of his actions and guide him to align his enthusiasm with the team’s needs.
- For Everyone: Use trust-building exercises and group discussions to create a shared vision for how the team wants to work together.
Practical Tools for Authentic Leadership
- Self-Reflection: Explore your values and consider whether you’re living in alignment with them.
- Self-Compassion: Embrace your humanity—acknowledge mistakes without self-judgment.
- Micro-Shifts: Start small. Make 2% adjustments toward more joy, better boundaries, or greater authenticity.
- Trust Exercises: Foster understanding by exploring how different team members define trust.
Key Takeaway
Authenticity isn’t a fixed state; it’s a journey that requires courage, reflection, and practice. As Colleen puts it, “It takes boldness to be more and more ourselves, especially in this world.”
About Colleen
Transforming leaders worldwide to unlock their true potential and create meaningful impact. With over 20 years of experience as a Transformational Facilitator and Executive Coach, I help leaders understand their worth at a profound level, creating a ripple effect of purpose and service throughout their organizations and lives. By empowering them to make bolder moves, I assist my clients in transcending limiting beliefs and self-doubt, unleashing their innate power to achieve remarkable results.
Collaborating with Fortune 500 companies, NGOs, and nonprofits across 60 countries, I bring a global and deeper perspective to leadership development. Specializing in leadership effectiveness, change management, resilience, emotional intelligence and agility, conflict transformation, communication savvy, and personal influence, I provide a calming and open space for meaningful personal insights and enhanced working relationships.
