Leadership is not about titles or power; it’s about authentic influential servant leadership impact. The question we must ask ourselves is: What kind of leader do we choose to be? Do we want to lead with authority, or do we want to lead with authenticity and purpose in the consistent service of others ? More importantly, what leadership style is the most effective in creating a culture of trust, collaboration, empowerment, and continuous competitive edge growth?

The Power of Authentic Servant Leadership

I believe authentic servant leadership isn’t just a methodology; it’s an unassuming growth mindset. It’s about leading with purpose, putting people first, and ensuring that every word and every action aligns with deeply held values. This kind of leadership builds stronger teams, fosters collaboration, and ultimately drives teams that embody trust and continuous growth and success.

The foundation of this leadership style is trust which I like to think of as trust so strong we will never intentionally let each other down. When leaders demonstrate consistency, transparency, and vulnerability, they create a space where team members feel valued, heard, and motivated to reach beyond what they ever dreamed possible. Hardwiring your beliefs to your heart and expressing them through your actions is the key—treating your peers and subordinates as people first and coworkers second.

Bringing Your Authentic Self to Leadership

Many leaders struggle with the balance between professional expectations and personal authenticity. However, the most effective leaders understand that bringing their whole, genuine selves to the workplace fosters stronger connections and a more engaged, trusting and proactive workforce.

Here are some actionable ways to bring authenticity into your leadership:

• Know Your Core Values: Define what matters most to you and align your decisions with those values. 
• Be Vulnerable: Admit when you don’t have all the answers, and invite collaboration. Be the first to say, “ I don’t know or I don’t understand’.
• Listen Actively: Be known as a tuned in versus tuned out listener engaged with your team’s needs and concerns, consistently playing back what you believe you heard.
• Lead by Example: Model the behaviors and attitudes you wish to see in others with both your actions and words.
• Encourage Growth: Support the professional and personal development of your team members.

A Step-by-Step Approach to Becoming an Authentic Servant Leader

With careful attention to detail and thoughtful explanations, in my book Hardwired to The Heart, I  share a step-by-step process that is intended to encourage  your authentic servant leader journey.  From actionable examples to feedback worksheets, you’ll learn how to discover your current reality and unlock your limitless potential as a leader by adopting a better, more helpful mindset.

There is no better time than now to start your proactive plan for personal and professional growth by engaging in the great work to enhance your interpersonal skills, and celebrate not just your continual improvement but that of those around you. When you lead with unassuming authenticity, you create ripples of positive change that extend beyond the workplace.

Let’s find out what drives your core values and hardwire them to your heart. Leadership isn’t about being perfect—it’s about being real, intentional, and committed to continuous limitless growth. 

“Leave a piece of your heart in everything you do.”