Embracing Authentic Leadership

School business leaders play a crucial role in fostering a positive work culture and enhancing employee engagement by building trust within their educational institutions

CREDIT: This is an edited version of an article that originally appeared on Forbes

When staff trust their leaders, they’re more likely to have a positive work experience, leading to a better culture where staff feel engaged and empowered to discuss concerns or problems. However, when leaders don’t practice what they preach, they risk losing the trust of their team and this damage can be hard to reverse.

Being authentic

Leader’s actions and behaviours set the bar for what is expected and acceptable. Things that erode trust include unethical behaviour, misleading communication and going back on promises or comments. A 2022 study concluded that a lack of credibility in leadership can lead to lower job satisfaction and motivation amongst staff. Therefore, it’s important for leaders to establish a culture that provides safe feedback loops and open communication, practicing these values openly and consistently.

Listen to concerns

Ensuring employees feel heard is crucial, going beyond mere expressions of support. Effective leaders foster two-way dialogue, encourage candid feedback, and actively seek solutions. Trustworthy leaders communicate in alignment with their organisation’s vision and values, consult with and listen to stakeholders, and prioritise the well-being of both the organisation and its employees. They make decisions that uphold the explicit and implicit commitments made to stakeholders.

Creating a culture of empathy and psychological safety involves more than lip service. It requires leaders to actively listen to concerns, engage in meaningful dialogue, and follow through on commitments. When leaders uphold their own expectations of honesty, integrity, and accountability, they build trust and credibility among their teams.

Embrace empathy

Empathy plays a pivotal role in fostering engagement, well-being, trust, and innovation. Establishing a psychologically safe environment enables employees to freely express their needs and flourish. Leaders must reframe their approach to employee experience by transitioning from human capital management to human experience management, ensuring alignment between employee needs and organisational objectives.

School business leaders must embody authenticity in their approach to leadership. By consistently aligning your actions with your words, you set a clear example for ethical behaviour and communication that should permeate throughout your school.