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How to Lead with Confidence by Embracing Your Authentic Self

Writer's picture: LeezLeez


Leading with Authenticity


How to Lead with Confidence by Embracing Your Authentic Self

One of the greatest strengths a leader can have is the ability to stand out by embracing their authentic self. Authentic leadership is not about trying to match a mould or becoming someone you're not. It’s about being comfortable in your own skin, knowing your strengths and vulnerabilities, and using them to inspire and uplift others.


Why Authenticity Builds Confidence

Here’s a surprising fact: a study by Harvard Business Review revealed that 89% of leaders believe authenticity is essential for building trust and motivating their teams. But here's the catch—many still struggle with it. We’ve all been there, feeling like we have to be ‘on’ all the time, or worse, pretending to be someone we’re not just to seem more leader-like. The truth is, when we do this, we chip away at our confidence. Being inauthentic is exhausting, and people can sense it.

The key to confident leadership lies in authenticity. It’s about showing up, flaws and all, and being willing to lead from a place of realness, not perfection.


Quote: 'The privilege of a lifetime is to become who you truly are.' – Carl Jung

Think about it: who would you rather follow—someone who acts like they have all the answers, or someone who is relatable, transparent, and willing to admit when they’re still learning? Authenticity isn’t just a leadership buzzword. It’s a magnet that draws people in, builds trust, and makes your leadership feel real.


Authenticity Is Strength, Not Weakness

A lot of people confuse vulnerability with weakness, but research proves the opposite. According to Brené Brown, a leading expert on leadership and vulnerability, confidence comes from being real. Leaders who aren’t afraid to show their human side—whether that’s admitting mistakes, sharing struggles, or being honest about what they don’t know—are the ones who create lasting, meaningful connections with their teams. And that’s where true confidence is built.


Fact: Research shows that leaders who embrace their authentic selves experience 15-20% greater job satisfaction and overall work engagement. This makes sense, right? When you’re not constantly putting up a façade, you have more energy to focus on what really matters—leading effectively and inspiring others.


A Real-Life Example: Howard Schultz, Starbucks


starbuck coffee


One leader who mastered this is Howard Schultz, the former CEO of Starbucks. Schultz didn’t shy away from sharing his personal story, growing up in a working-class family and using those experiences to shape his leadership. He built Starbucks on values of social responsibility and inclusivity, showing that being authentic doesn’t just create great leadership—it builds an entire brand.

Instead of hiding behind corporate jargon or distancing himself from his employees, Schultz leaned into his personal values. That level of openness is what helped Starbucks grow into a global success while keeping its core mission of community at the forefront.


The Science Behind It

Beyond anecdotes, there’s solid evidence that authenticity in leadership creates real impact. Studies show that authenticity leads to stronger psychological well-being, lower stress, and even better team performance. When you’re confident in who you are, that confidence radiates to your team. It’s contagious. Your openness helps create an environment where others feel safe to be themselves too.


Fact: Gallup’s research found that when leaders are authentic, employee engagement increases by up to 17%. In other words, being yourself at work isn’t just good for you—it’s good for your team and your organisation’s success.


How to Lead Authentically

So, how can you start leading with confidence by embracing your authentic self? Here are some tips to keep in mind:






  1. Get Clear on Your ValuesConfidence comes from knowing what you stand for. Take time to reflect on what matters most to you. Your values will guide your decisions and help you lead with purpose.

  2. Own Your Strengths and WeaknessesNo one has it all figured out, and pretending you do only isolates you. Confidence grows when you accept that it’s okay to have weaknesses. When you’re honest about them, you give your team permission to do the same.

  3. Be TransparentShare your journey, challenges, and thought processes with your team. People trust what they can see. When you’re transparent about how you make decisions, it builds a culture of openness and collaboration.

  4. Lead with Purpose, Not EgoAuthentic leadership isn’t about proving yourself. It’s about leading with a mission that’s bigger than yourself. When your actions align with your purpose, confidence naturally follows.

  5. Practise Self-CompassionLeading with authenticity requires self-compassion. Let go of perfectionism and give yourself the grace to grow. Confidence comes when you stop trying to be perfect and start allowing yourself to learn.



A Personal Note on Authentic Leadership

Hear me out—I’ve struggled with this myself. Early in my career, I thought I had to play the part, fit the mould, and act like I had it all together. But the more I tried to hide my true self, the more I felt disconnected from my work and the people around me. It wasn’t until I embraced my quirks, my values, and yes, even my imperfections, that I began to feel confident in my leadership.

What I’ve learned is this: people don’t follow perfect leaders. They follow leaders who inspire them to be their best, by being real, relatable, and human.


Inspirational Quote:

'Authenticity is the daily practice of letting go of who we think we're supposed to be and embracing who we are.' – Brené Brown


Final Thoughts: Confidence Through Authenticity

Confidence doesn’t come from pretending. It comes from embracing who you truly are, showing up with honesty, and letting your unique voice lead the way. Authentic leadership creates trust, boosts team morale, and leads to long-term success—for both you and your team.


Fact: 84% of employees say that when their leaders are authentic, they are more likely to stay with their organisation long-term. It’s clear—leading with authenticity isn’t just a nice idea; it’s a game-changer.

So, take off the mask. Be yourself. Your confidence—and your leadership—will grow stronger because of it.


Quote: 'True leadership stems from individuality that is honestly and sometimes imperfectly expressed... Leaders should strive for authenticity over perfection.' – Sheryl Sandberg


Sources:


Harvard Business Review & Gallup


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