Being authentic as a manager.

The word "authentic" is derived from the Greek authentikos "reliable, correct" or as a person from authentes "originator, doer". On karrierebibel.de 4 criteria of authenticity are mentioned: Awareness, honesty, consistency and sincerity.

I describe myself as authentic. But what is my definition of "being authentic" and what does that mean for a manager or what makes a manager authentic?

As a business coach, what does authenticity mean to me as a manager?

Here are a few points that I consider essential for authentic leadership:

✨ Being human

Share your feelings, impressions and what you consider to be valuable interpersonal input for the company. If you sense that an employee is not feeling well, take the employee aside for a one-on-one conversation. Please don't talk about it, especially not in front of others.

✨ Being able to give & accept feedback

Many managers ask for feedback, but have little or no ability to deal with it. Not even with positive feedback. Giving feedback should be constructive and empathetic for both parties. Above all, please do not act on impulse when making a suggestion for improvement. Unless you are already very practiced at doing this in a respectful way.

✨ Be transparent

Employees should be committed to a company and identify with its philosophy. However, if the employee does not know where the company's journey and goals are heading, the employee is unfortunately left in the dark. Your employees want to know what's coming next, inform them about it and not just the day before. Please. And "LAST but NOT LEAST":

✨ Be honest and trustworthy

Being honest with yourself and with others requires awareness and living your own values, philosophy and vision. "Trust has to be earned." ... as a manager, however, you should give your employees the benefit of the doubt. I know you will be disappointed more often than not, but trustworthy employees will thank you for it. Being skeptical doesn't help anyone.

These are the 4 cornerstones of "being authentic" for me. But what does Generation Z say?

Generation Z demands that their managers be "authentic".

Being authentic has something to do with being down-to-earth, earthy and real. Being who you are without pretending. Even sharing when you're not feeling well. Managers are also allowed to have bad days, we all have them. However, they have to be stronger than their employees. This is one of the skills that a leader who sets an example should have.

Read more about "Next Generation and Leadership"?

... in my résumé after my last guest lecture at Munich University of Applied Sciences. There I talked to the students about what they expect from a manager. Follow the link (first link in German, second in English).⬇️

Great leadership for the next generation.

Questions or suggestions about being authentic?

If you see "being authentic" differently, or if you have any questions, comments or additions to the blog article "Being authentic as a manager", please contact me directly.

Sincerely
Kathrin

_ goldwert✨
_ goldwert.tirol

Sources: Wissen.de _ Authentic, Karrierbibel.de _ Authenticity