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Am I an Authentic Leader? Exploring the Key Elements of Leadership Authenticity


  • Authentic leadership starts with self-discovery, defining personal missions, and understanding motivating factors.
  • Crucial for authentic leadership is self-awareness, identifying strengths, and acknowledging weaknesses.
  • Today's emphasis on authenticity in leadership reflects workforce values, prioritizing personal development, sustainability, and meaning over monetary gains.
  • Authentic leaders inspire and motivate teams by aligning with values, fostering personal development, and creating an empowering environment for employee growth.


This blog is a summary of an article that was originally published by Finance4Learning's partner Opleiding.nl on 01 November 2021. Here's the link to the article.


In the ever-evolving landscape of leadership success in 2021, it's no longer sufficient to rely solely on impressive results or innovative problem-solving. The spotlight is now on authenticity as the driving force. But what defines an authentic leader, and how does one cultivate this trait?

Authenticity, at its essence, is about being genuine. However, it transcends this simplicity, as explained by our Director, Martin VAN DER GROEP, 'It begins with knowing who you are and what you want. What is your mission, and what fuels your aspirations?
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Embracing Self-Awareness


To embark on the path of authentic leadership, understanding your capabilities is paramount. What are your strengths and weaknesses? How do you translate these insights into practical strategies?

The nexus between your internal motivations, skills, and behavior is pivotal. Aligning these elements empowers you to lead from a position of strength."

Martin VAN DER GROEP, Director at Opleiding.nl


The current emphasis on authenticity stems from the dynamic era we inhabit. Van der Groep highlights, 'The workforce, now largely composed of millennials, places emphasis on personal development, sustainability, and meaning, valuing these over monetary gains.'
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Personal Growth: The Catalyst for Authentic Leadership


The journey towards authentic leadership necessitates personal development. Van der Groep advises, 'Understanding what energizes you, your strengths, and how these align with your team allows you to adapt your behavior, ultimately enhancing your effectiveness.'

Cultivating a Growth Mindset

Fostering the right mindset is crucial for growth, van der Groep asserts. 'Develop a growth mindset—acknowledge areas where mastery is lacking, remain open to learning, and challenge yourself daily.'
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Embracing Mistakes and Feedback: Pillars of Authenticity

Acknowledging room for errors, both for yourself and your team, is pivotal. Mistakes are invaluable learning opportunities. Actively listening to others is indispensable in this authentic leadership journey.
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Navigating Pitfalls: Striking a Balance

Authentic leadership is a unique journey for each individual, considering diverse strengths and qualities. Van der Groep emphasizes the need to be vigilant about potential pitfalls. 'Your greatest strength can become a weakness if taken to the extreme. For instance, decisiveness is valuable, but understanding when to pace and comprehend perspectives is equally crucial.



The Essence of Authentic Leadership

In summary, authentic leadership manifests differently for everyone. Whether you lean towards social creativity or prioritize results and decision-making, the key lies in aligning your leadership style with your core qualities.

Understanding and mitigating pitfalls is vital. Being honest with oneself and adapting when necessary are indispensable virtues on the path to authentic leadership.


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