Authentic leadership isn’t just a buzzword. It’s a practice that can transform teams and organizations. But how do you develop it? Early in my career, I struggled with the pressure to conform to a stereotypical image of a leader: extroverted, always confident, and never uncertain. It wasn’t until I started leading authentically - embracing my strengths, vulnerabilities, and values - that I began to see real impact.
In this blog, I’ll share actionable lessons from my journey and insights from a conversation with Troy Toman, a seasoned leader and my guest on the "Always an Engineer" podcast. Together, we explored practical steps to cultivate authenticity in leadership.
Troy Toman has spent years refining what it means to lead authentically. As a seasoned technology leader, he understands that leadership isn’t about fitting into a predefined mold—it’s about aligning who you are with how you lead.
Connect with Troy on LinkedIn to follow his insights on leadership, innovation, and building strong teams.
Topics We’re Covering
- Redefining Leadership
- Embracing Vulnerability
- Building Genuine Connections
- Modeling Authenticity
- Building a Culture of Authentic Leadership
Redefine What Leadership Means
Many people, myself included, start their leadership journey trying to fit a mold. For years, I believed that effective leaders needed to project confidence and have all the answers. But as Troy shared during our podcast, “Leadership isn’t about pretending to be someone else. It’s about aligning who you are with how you lead.”
Here’s how to start:
Assess Your Leadership Style: Reflect on what energizes you and what feels forced. Are you more comfortable facilitating discussions or making quick decisions? Use these insights to lead in a way that feels natural.
Let Go of the Myths: Leadership isn’t about being perfect or knowing everything. It’s about enabling others to succeed. Embrace this shift in mindset.
Embrace Vulnerability as a Strength
One of the most powerful lessons I’ve learned is the value of vulnerability. Early in my leadership journey, I felt compelled to have all the answers, fearing that admitting uncertainty might undermine my authority. But I discovered that vulnerability fosters trust and collaboration.
As Troy put it, “I used to feel anxious if I didn’t have the answer. Now, I see it as an opportunity to learn and build trust with my team.”
Here’s how to apply this:
Be Honest About What You Don’t Know: When faced with a question you can’t answer, say, "I don’t know, but let’s figure it out together." This creates an environment of mutual respect and problem-solving.
Seek Feedback Regularly: At Yotascale, we’ve embedded feedback loops into our culture. I actively ask my team for input on my leadership style and decisions. This practice not only helps me improve but also models vulnerability for others.
Build Genuine Connections with Your Team
Know your people.
Troy emphasized this beautifully during our conversation: “Leadership starts with understanding your team as individuals - their strengths, their fears, and what fuels their imposter syndrome.” Authentic leaders prioritize getting to know their team members on a human level.
At Yotascale, I make it a point to understand what energizes or challenges each person. For some, it’s presenting ideas; for others, it’s solving technical puzzles. Knowing these nuances helps me tailor opportunities and support to meet their needs.
Practice active listening.
When team members share their concerns, goals, or feedback, truly listen. Validate their experiences and show that their input matters. Authentic connections are built on trust and respect, and listening is where it begins.
Model Authenticity Through Action
Authentic leadership isn’t something you talk about. It’s something you practice. Your team will take cues from how you show up every day.
Here’s how I try to model authenticity:
Share the Journey: I openly discuss my own leadership struggles and lessons learned. This transparency creates a safe space for others to share their experiences.
Admit Mistakes: When I make a mistake, I own it. This not only demonstrates accountability but also shows that perfection isn’t the standard - growth is.
Build a Culture of Authentic Leadership
Authenticity isn’t just about individual leaders. It’s about creating an environment where everyone can bring their full selves to work. At Yotascale, we prioritize this in three key ways:
Mentorship: New managers are paired with experienced mentors to help them navigate the transition from individual contributor to leader. This ensures they feel supported and confident in their roles.
Empowerment: Managers focus on enabling their teams, not controlling them. By removing roadblocks and encouraging autonomy, we create a culture of ownership and innovation.
Feedback Loops: Regular feedback is a cornerstone of our leadership culture. These loops help us identify what’s working and where we can improve.
Conclusion
Authentic leadership isn’t about following a set formula. It’s about showing up as your true self, building genuine connections, and creating an environment where others can do the same. It requires self-awareness, vulnerability, and a commitment to continuous growth.
At Yotascale, we’re building a company where authenticity is at the core of everything we do. Whether you’re an aspiring leader or a seasoned executive, I encourage you to reflect on how you can lead authentically in your own journey. Together, we can redefine what it means to lead.
