Written by Authenticity has emerged as a critical aspect of effective leadership and coaching. Leadership researchers often cite authenticity as a key characteristic of successful leaders, linking it to improved leadership effectiveness and employee engagement (Banks et al., 2016).
Understanding Authenticity
Authenticity involves aligning actions with inner values and beliefs, embracing one’s true self, including strengths, weaknesses, and unique attributes. Authenticity entails self-awareness, unbiased processing, relational transparency, and authentic behavior (Kiersch & Peters, 2017).
The Importance of Authenticity
In the realm of coaching, authenticity becomes particularly significant. Coaches hold a position of influence, guiding, inspiring, and shaping athletes both in their sports performance and personal development. Authenticity is a cornerstone of this relationship, fostering an environment of trust, respect, and open communication. For example, a coach who practices authenticity creates an environment where athletes feel comfortable expressing their thoughts and feelings, knowing they will be heard and respected. This openness enhances team dynamics, performance (Jowett & Shanmugam, 2016), and builds trust, which results in positively influences the team’s culture.
Authenticity: A Journey, Not a Destination
Embracing authenticity involves constant self-reflection and growth. It requires acknowledging and understanding one’s values, strengths, and areas for development. Importantly, being authentic does not equate to being perfect; rather, it implies acknowledging our imperfections and learning from our experiences. Self-reflection, and self-awareness, are key to authenticity!
Practicing Authenticity
There are practical steps coaches can take to embrace their authenticity:
Self-reflection: Regularly reflecting on one’s values, beliefs, and actions allows for greater self-awareness and authenticity (Hancock et al., 2013).
Self-awareness: Realizing and accepting imperfections and learning from experiences will show authenticity
Open communication: Being honest and transparent in communication fosters trust and sets the stage for authenticity.
Consistency: Aligning words and actions consistently reinforces authenticity.
Embracing Vulnerability: Being open about challenges and failures can strengthen connections and enhance authenticity (Braun & Nieberle, 2017).
Authenticity stands as a pillar in effective coaching and leadership. Being authentic helps build trust and positively influences organizational culture. As we continue to navigate the coaching landscape, let us strive to align our actions with our true selves, bolstering trust, engagement, and performance in our teams.
References:
Banks, G.C., McCauley, K.D., Gardner, W.L., & Guler, C.E. (2016). A meta-analytic review of authentic and transformational leadership: A test for redundancy. The Leadership Quarterly, 27(4), 634-652.
Kiersch, C.E., & Peters, J. (2017). Leadership from the inside out: Student leadership development within authentic leadership and servant leadership frameworks. Journal of Leadership Education, 16(1), 148-168.
Jowett, S., & Shanmugam, V. (2016). Relational coaching in sport: Its psychological underpinnings and practical effectiveness. Routledge.
Hancock, J. I., Allen, D. G., Bosco, F. A., McDaniel, K. R., & Pierce, C. A. (2013). Meta-Analytic Review of Employee Turnover as a Predictor of Firm Performance. Journal of Management, 39(3), 573–603. https://doi.org/10.1177/0149206311424943
Braun, S., & Nieberle, K. (2017). Authentic Leadership Extends Beyond Work: A Multilevel Model of Work-Family Conflict and Enrichment. The Leadership Quarterly, 28(6), 780-797.