If you work in an organisation that has processes and is driven by targets and KPIs, it's easy to get caught up in "doing things right." But authentic leaders know it’s far more important to focus on "doing the right thing." That means prioritising values and outcomes over strict adherence to processes.
Authentic leadership is about acting with integrity, even when it’s tough. A 2023 study by CIPD UK found that employees are 68% more likely to stay with a company that they believe operates with ethical leadership. When leaders prioritise the people behind the numbers, trust grows.
When employees see leaders making decisions based on principles rather than simply ticking boxes, it strengthens team loyalty and morale. Authenticity builds a culture where everyone knows that the right thing will always win over expediency—and that inspires people to bring their best selves to work.
How to Get Comfortable with 'Doing the Right Thing'
- Start Small: Begin by making small values-based decisions in your day-to-day work. Notice how they impact the team.
- Reflect on Your Core Values: Identify your personal values and align them with your leadership style. What principles guide your decisions?
- Practice Transparency: Be honest about the "why" behind your decisions. Sharing your reasoning helps others see your authenticity.
- Ask for Feedback: Create a culture where your team feels comfortable challenging decisions when they don’t align with shared values.
- Embrace Discomfort: Doing the right thing isn't always easy. Recognise when a decision feels difficult—that’s often a sign you’re in the right direction.
- Identify Moments of Truth: Recognise key moments where ethical or value-driven choices are required. This might be during tough conversations, business decisions, or leadership challenges.
- Consult Your Team: When uncertain, ask for input. Collective wisdom can help clarify what "doing the right thing" looks like in a particular situation.
- Own Your Mistakes: Being authentic also means admitting when you got it wrong and making amends. Demonstrate your learning from those mistakes.
- Balance People and Profit: Be mindful of when the business agenda clashes with employee well-being or customer trust. Authentic leaders prioritise integrity.
- Lead by Example: Show your team that you’re willing to make the hard calls in service of the greater good, even if it means a short-term sacrifice.
By becoming comfortable with leading authentically, you can ensure that your decisions resonate with both your values and your team's trust.
At JVM Consultancy, we believe that authentic leadership is the cornerstone of a thriving workplace. We support leaders in developing the confidence and skills needed to make values-driven decisions that resonate with their teams. Our mentorship programs focus on helping you identify your core values, practice transparency, and embrace vulnerability so you can lead with integrity.
With our tailored coaching and workshops, we empower you to create a culture where doing the right thing becomes second nature—both for you and your team.
We plug you into the power of your people and get you connected to foster an environment of trust and authenticity that drives exceptional performance. If you're committed to elevating your leadership style and making a positive impact on your organisation, let’s connect.
Together, we can make a difference!