Authentic leadership for emerging leaders starts with embracing uncertainty and choosing to lead in a way that aligns with your own values and vision. When was the last time you faced uncertain moments? Did you find yourself considering whether it might be easier to follow someone else’s path, hoping it would lead to success? Years ago, when I was new in my leadership role, I experienced the same thing. I was just like you, new to my leadership role, excited yet uncertain about how to own my leadership career.
As I continued to develop and grow in my role, I learned a few things.
A 2016 Gallup Poll found that only 18% of managers demonstrate a high talent for leadership, leaving 82% struggling to lead their teams effectively. This gap is particularly challenging for newly promoted leaders who step into management roles without prior training.
Many leaders want to take ownership of their careers but feel unprepared to make confident decisions. In uncertain moments, it may seem easier to follow someone else’s path, hoping it leads to success. However, this approach often means pursuing someone else’s aspirations instead of defining your own.
To genuinely own your career, you need to take an active role in shaping your authentic leadership journey. Here are three fundamental strategies to guide you:
- Develop Strong Character and Resilience – Success demands a structured yet adaptable plan that supports both growth and flexibility. Resilience enables you to handle setbacks while remaining committed to your goals.
- Embrace a Growth Mindset – See challenges as opportunities to learn. Mistakes are not failures; they are stepping stones that develop authentic leadership skills and decision-making abilities.
- Prioritize Transparency – Authentic leaders openly share their intentions, values, and decisions. Transparency builds trust and empowers teams, cultivating a culture where individuals feel valued and informed.
Taking ownership of your career means defining your aspirations, goals, and vision—and taking intentional steps to bring them to life. Start with these strategies, and you’ll be on the path to leading with confidence and purpose.
But confidence can be balanced when you lead with humility, allowing you to be an authentic leader.
Lead with Humility, Speak with Confidence: A Leadership Reflection
Do you have confidence in your abilities? What strategies support your belief in them?
Strengths, Opportunities, Aspirations, and Results (SOAR) encourage you to believe in your abilities, take ownership of your career, foster awareness of a more well-rounded YOU, and ultimately contribute to your success.
It’s an excellent strategy for enhancing your skills and calming negative thoughts.
- Strengths: Comprehensive self-reflection is essential to identifying your distinct strengths and capabilities. As a leader, you bring a wealth of experience and skills.
- Opportunities: Exploring and understanding opportunities enables you to position yourself and your leadership in areas with significant potential for growth and success.
- Aspirations: Establish clear and ambitious goals for your professional life and personal fulfillment, crafting a vision that will lead you to take ownership of your career.
- Results: Transforming your strengths, opportunities, and aspirations into concrete outcomes requires developing action plans and measurable goals to achieve your success.
Balancing Humility and Confidence: Leading Authentically Without Arrogance
Leadership isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about showing up with clarity, consistency, and character. The most respected leaders are those who can walk the fine line between confidence and humility. They lead boldly, but without arrogance.
They speak with conviction, yet listen with curiosity…
Authentic leadership begins with self-awareness—recognizing one’s strengths, their limitations, and how their presence influences others.
They are rooted in their core values and drivers that direct decision-making and define their leadership identity. When grounded in these values, confidence emerges as a quiet strength, not a loud performance.
At the same time, emotional intelligence enables leaders to remain attuned to the needs of others, fostering psychological safety and strengthening trust.
This balance of head and heart forms the foundation of congruent leadership—where actions and words align.
As a new or emerging leader, building confidence may take time. You may wrestle with impostor syndrome, but remember: authenticity isn’t about perfection—it’s about integrity, presence, and growth.
Allow your character to be shaped by consistent follow-through and a commitment to learning.
True leadership is not simply about being the most dominant voice in the room; it involves helping others find their voice as well.
That’s how you conquer new horizons—with humility that keeps you grounded and confidence that moves you forward.
What practices help you remain grounded while leading with both humility and confidence?
A Personal Story from the Crossroads of Humility and Confidence
Crossing the intersection of humility and confidence can be challenging. How do you decide which direction is best? Or is there a blended path that many don’t see?
When I joined Toastmasters in 2013 in Toledo, Ohio, I had the greatest opportunity at my first Toastmasters Conference in Lansing, Michigan, where I met Maureen Zappala, a NASA engineer. She was the guest speaker, and her dynamic personality commanded the stage. Her speech was phenomenal, something I could relate to as a new Toastmaster.
What caught my attention the most was when she sat beside me at my table. I was shy and introverted; however, she made me feel like the most important person in the room. Our conversation was personal and inspirational; she shared her journey with NASA and her dream of becoming a professional speaker.
Back then, she realized the importance of exploring the balance between confidence and humility. She shared that becoming more self-aware would give you confidence in your abilities while admitting the gaps in your knowledge, making you a much more effective, resilient, and collaborative leader.
She said, to become more self-aware:
- Recognize your strengths and weaknesses; be open to seeking help when you need it.
- Incorporate daily journaling or meditation to help develop a habit of reflecting on your thoughts, emotions, and actions.
- Ask others for honest feedback about your performance; use it as an opportunity for growth.
- Prioritize learning. Commit to learning something new every day. Read books, attend workshops or training sessions, and find mentors. Expanding your knowledge will increase your confidence.
By being aware of your strengths and weaknesses, you can lead confidently in areas where you excel and remain humble enough to seek help and guidance in areas where you struggle ~ Unknown
Take the Next Step: Align Your Words and Actions for Truly Authentic Leadership
Authentic leadership isn’t measured only by your intentions—it’s validated by your follow-through. People assess your ethics and values more through what you do than what you say. Consistency between the two builds trust. Inconsistency erodes it.
Quick Practice: After every major decision, ask yourself: Did my actions reflect my stated values? If not, take time to clarify, communicate, or correct the gap.
Reflection Questions:
- When was the last time my actions didn’t align with what I said? What was the impact?
- What value is most important to me—and how do I demonstrate that value daily?
- How can I invite my team to hold me accountable for walking the talk?
Remember, ethical leadership isn’t about perfection—it’s about integrity, clarity, and consistency.
“We do not act right because we have virtue or excellence, but rather have those because we have acted right.”
— Aristotle
Let this be your reminder: the most effective leaders don’t just talk about values—they live them.
If you’re ready to strengthen the alignment between your actions and your values, let’s connect—I’d love to support you on the journey to authentic leadership.
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