Lead Like You: Building Trust and Engagement Through Authentic Leadership
Let’s be honest—people can spot a fake a mile away. Whether it’s a boss putting on a show or a business trying to be something it’s not, inauthenticity is a trust-killer.
I’ve always been drawn to people who are unapologetically themselves. When I launched my own business, one of the best pieces of advice I received was: “Your magic is in who you are.” There are plenty of people offering similar services, but the difference is me. And the same is true for every leader out there.
The most impactful leaders don’t copy someone else’s style—they lead in a way that aligns with their own values. That kind of leadership creates clarity, builds trust, and creates a culture where people actually want to stay.
So how do you lead authentically? Here are four core ways to show up as your true self—and build an engaged, inspired team in the process:
1. Start with Self-Awareness
Knowing yourself is step one. That means getting clear on your values, strengths, blind spots, and the experiences that shape how you lead. Self-aware leaders are better at regulating emotions, making thoughtful decisions, and staying consistent—even when things get messy.
Pro tip: Self-awareness isn’t a one-and-done deal, it’s a lifelong habit. Reflect, get feedback, stay open, and don’t be afraid to grow. When you lead from a grounded place, people can feel it.
2. Be Transparent
Transparency is about keeping people in the loop—and being real about the “why” behind decisions. If you want your team to trust you, they need to see how and why choices are being made.
This includes two-way feedback. Be open to hearing concerns or ideas, and give regular feedback so nothing’s left unsaid. And when it makes sense, include your team in decision-making. When people feel heard and involved, they’re more likely to stay invested.
3. Lead with Integrity
Say what you mean and do what you say- that’s it!
Integrity means your actions match your words. When your team sees that you follow through—especially when it’s hard—it builds lasting trust. People want to work for someone they believe is fair, ethical, and consistent.
It’s not just a feel-good sentiment. The Harvard Business Review found that employees who trust their leaders are:
50% more productive
Take 13% fewer sick days
Show 76% more engagement
Trust pays off...literally.
4. Practice Empathy (For Real)
Empathy doesn’t mean having all the answers, it means listening—really listening—when your people talk. It means creating space for them to be human.
Start by being present and practicing active listening. Don’t interrupt, don’t rush to fix, just listen, validate, and let people know they’ve been heard. When employees feel seen, they’re more likely to speak up, collaborate, and stick around.
Building emotional awareness within your team starts with understanding what’s going on beneath the surface. It takes intention, but it’s worth it.
Authentic leadership isn’t just a buzzword, rather than a commitment to lead with self-awareness, transparency, integrity, and empathy. When you show up as your whole self (values, flaws & all) you give others permission to do the same. That’s how trust is built. That’s how engagement grows. That’s how culture is shaped.
So, lead like you. You’re the secret sauce.
