What defines great leadership?

Empower your staff to be their true authentic selves

Be authentic and allow your team to be authentic too.

We shouldn’t have to put on a pretence when we come to work. We were hired for who we are so we should stay that way – and encourage others to do the same. I’d rather be known for who I really am than have a fake persona I have to keep up. I don’t have the time or energy for that!

We get the best out of people when they are being true to themselves and their values. Herb Kelleher the co-founder of Southwest Airlines said of his staff:

“We’ve never thought that you should have to come to work and assume a mask…and look like you’re a bunch of little lead soldiers stamped out of a mould. We give people license to be themselves.”

Herb understood that a liberated spirit is essential to the kind of imagination and innovation Southwest seeks from its people.

In our leadership workshops, we help leaders express their true selves and create a culture of openness and inclusiveness within their teams. If you would like to do the same with your leadership development we’d love to hear from you.