Leadership today is a balancing act. On one hand, teams crave authenticity—they want leaders who are real, relatable, and human. On the other hand, authority is essential for driving results, making tough decisions, and maintaining structure. So, how do you balance the two without tipping too far in either direction?

Being a genuine leader doesn’t mean sacrificing authority, and maintaining authority doesn’t mean being distant or rigid. The magic lies in the balance between approachability and accountability. Let’s explore how to find that balance and create a leadership style that’s both authentic and effective.

1. Builds Trust

Authentic leaders foster trust by being transparent, consistent, and real. When team members feel their leader is genuine, they’re more likely to be open, engaged, and loyal.

💡 Example: Admitting when you don’t have all the answers shows vulnerability, but it also builds trust. Your team will respect you for being human.

2. Enhances Team Morale

Teams thrive under leaders who are approachable and empathetic. Authenticity creates a supportive environment where people feel valued and understood, boosting morale and collaboration.

💬 Ask Yourself: Do my actions reflect my words? Am I showing up as the same person every day?

1. Creates Structure

Authority ensures that there’s direction and clarity in the team. Without it, confusion and inefficiency can take over, leading to missed goals and misaligned priorities.

💡 Pro Tip: Set clear expectations and boundaries. Your team should understand where the line is between approachability and professionalism.

2. Drives Accountability

As a leader, you’re responsible for results. Authority allows you to hold your team—and yourself—accountable for delivering on promises and meeting goals.

💬 Ask Yourself: Am I setting clear goals and following up on them consistently?

1. Lead with Empathy, Not Ego

Empathy allows you to connect with your team, while authority ensures you guide them effectively.

🛠 Actionable Tip:
When giving feedback, acknowledge your team member’s perspective before addressing areas for improvement. For example: “I understand this project was challenging. Let’s discuss how we can improve for next time.”

2. Be Consistently Clear

Authenticity thrives on transparency, and authority thrives on clarity. Combine both by communicating your expectations and decisions openly.

🛠 Actionable Tip:

• Use weekly check-ins to update your team on goals and challenges.
• Share the “why” behind your decisions to foster understanding and buy-in.

3. Be Approachable Without Losing Boundaries

You can be warm and approachable without blurring the line between leadership and friendship.

💡 Remember: You’re not just a friend—you’re a guide, a mentor, and a leader.

🛠 Actionable Tip:

• Create open-door policies for honest conversations.
• Balance casual interactions with professionalism.

4. Admit Mistakes, But Stay Steady

Authentic leaders own their mistakes, but they don’t let those mistakes shake their authority.

💡 Example: If a decision doesn’t go as planned, acknowledge it: “That didn’t work as we expected, but here’s what we’ll do differently next time.”

1. Authentic Communication Practice

During your next team meeting, share a personal story that reflects your values as a leader. Follow it up by asking your team to share what inspires them in their work.

2. Authority Audit

Write down three ways you’ve demonstrated authority in the past month and three ways you’ve shown authenticity. Are you leaning too far into one over the other? Adjust accordingly.

When leaders find the sweet spot between authenticity and authority, the benefits ripple through the organisation:
✔ Teams feel supported and empowered.
✔ Goals are met with clarity and purpose.
✔ Leaders earn respect, not just compliance.

The best leaders aren’t just genuine—they’re also consistent, clear, and confident. They know when to listen, when to guide, and when to let their team shine.

To leading with authenticity and authority,
The West Peak Team