Leadership isn’t just about telling others what to do – it’s about embodying the principles and behaviors you want to see in your team. The best leaders “walk the walk” by consistently demonstrating self-awareness, empathy, and a commitment to growth. But how exactly do they cultivate these qualities? Let’s explore some key insights on how exceptional leaders develop authenticity and lead by example.
The Foundation: Self-Awareness and Openness to Feedback
At the core of authentic leadership is an ongoing practice of self-awareness. This means regularly checking in with yourself, reflecting on your actions and motivations, and being open to feedback from others.
Developing a Self-Awareness Practice
Leaders can build self-awareness by regularly aligning their actions with their personal purpose and their company’s mission. Practicing empathy and emotional intelligence helps better connect with team members. Being present and fully engaged in interactions, valuing people for who they are beyond just what they do, is crucial. Asking powerful self-reflection questions like “What does success as a leader look like to me?” and “What legacy do I want to leave?” can provide valuable insights. Blocking out time for daily reflection, even if it’s just 10 minutes, can make a significant difference.
Embracing Feedback
Truly self-aware leaders don’t just tell others what to do – they remain open to receiving feedback themselves. This means actively seeking input from peers, direct reports, and other stakeholders. Listening with an open mind and heart, without becoming defensive, is key. Using feedback as an opportunity for growth rather than feeling criticized allows for continuous improvement. Being willing to pivot and adjust leadership approach based on input demonstrates true openness and flexibility.
Building Trust Through Authenticity
When leaders show up authentically and share openly, it builds deep trust with their teams. Being transparent about your own journey, including challenges and “bathroom floor moments,” can be powerful. Sharing vulnerably about times you’ve struggled or failed demonstrates humanity and relatability. Showing that it’s okay to not have all the answers creates a safe space for others to be authentic too. Focusing on building relationships, not just achieving outcomes, fosters a supportive environment. Celebrating small wins and learning opportunities, not just big results, encourages a growth mindset throughout the team.
Prioritizing Self-Care and Personal Growth
The best leaders recognize that investing in themselves is crucial for showing up as their best for others. This means viewing self-care as a necessity, not a luxury. Blocking out time for exercise, reflection, coaching, and other personal practices before the to-do list is complete sets a powerful example. Surrounding yourself with a peer network or mastermind group provides support and opportunities for growth. Continuously working to know yourself better through tools like “Why” discovery can deepen your self-awareness and impact.
Key Practices of Leaders Who “Walk the Walk”
Some foundational habits of authentic, self-aware leaders include regular self-reflection, seeking diverse feedback, celebrating small wins, prioritizing personal practices, and continuous learning. Setting aside time daily or weekly to check in with yourself can keep you grounded and aligned. Seeking input from various sources ensures a well-rounded perspective. Looking beyond just the numbers to recognize progress keeps the team motivated. Investing in personal growth through reading, workshops, coaching, or new experiences demonstrates a commitment to ongoing development.
The Power of Knowing Your “Why”
One of the most impactful tools for developing authentic leadership is getting clear on your personal “Why” – your deepest motivation and purpose. When you understand your Why, it’s easier to stay true to your authentic self, weather challenging times, align your actions with your deeper purpose, and have the greatest positive impact. Taking time to discover and articulate your Why provides a powerful foundation for walking your talk as a leader.
From Surviving to Thriving
Sometimes our greatest growth as leaders comes from our most challenging experiences. Whether it’s losing a loved one, facing a health crisis, or navigating a major career setback, these moments can become transformational if we use them as catalysts for growth. By doing the inner work to process difficult experiences, we can emerge with greater empathy and emotional intelligence, a clearer sense of purpose, increased resilience, and the ability to connect more authentically with others. While painful in the moment, our greatest struggles often become the source of our greatest impact as leaders.
The Ongoing Journey
Developing authentic, self-aware leadership is not a destination – it’s an ongoing journey of growth and reflection. By committing to practices like regular self-reflection, openness to feedback, prioritizing self-care, and understanding our deeper purpose, we can show up as leaders who truly walk the walk. In doing so, we not only become more effective – we inspire those around us to bring their full, authentic selves to work as well. And that’s the kind of ripple effect that can transform entire organizations.
Listen to the episode: Gut + Science | Leaders, You Gotta Walk the Walk with Jennifer Chapman
Key Takeaways:
- Continually practice self-awareness: True leaders are open to receiving feedback and are willing to make changes based on that feedback.
- Embrace feedback as a gift: Feedback from others can provide valuable insights that we may have missed.
- Cultivate empathy and emotional intelligence: Show genuine empathy, listen actively, and make sure your team members feel seen, heard, valued, and appreciated.
Things to listen for:
[00:05:48] Multiple reasons for holding back; ego, pride, fear, lack of self-reflection, emotional intelligence.
[00:06:44] Questioning confidence, building personal practices, core values.
[00:09:42] Trust in building relationships and sales.
[00:15:36] Powerful question: Are you worth it?
[00:17:37] High-end offerings, nationwide leadership, vulnerable and transparent.
[00:23:41] Two life-changing experiences shaped my gratitude.
[00:26:08] Build wins. Reflection, self-care, priority.
