Three Key Elements of Authentic Leadership

Simple, human-centered practices for leading well in uncertain times

by Abbey Johnston & Greg Mutch | January 2026

We teach what we need. In leadership, the most valuable lessons often come from what we ourselves need to learn. Right now, with so much uncertainty in the world—shifting markets, evolving workforces, and the constant pace of change—authenticity isn’t just a “nice to have,” it’s a lifeline.

At AG Collaborative, we’ve navigated immense change over the last year—moments even more disorienting than COVID, with shifting roles, new ways of working, and constant adaptation. We know we aren’t alone in this. Through it all, authenticity has been a key guide for us. Authenticity is not oversharing or having it all figured out; it’s aligning what we think, feel, say, and do, even when the stakes are high. Authenticity shapes how we impact others, navigate uncertainty, and lead from a place of integrity. 

So, how do you translate authenticity from an abstract ideal into real, actionable leadership practices? We’ve found that authentic leadership comes alive when it’s anchored in three key elements. Yes, just three, because while we could try to cover all one million ways to lead authentically, we’d be here until next year. 🙂 These three pillars offer concrete ways to show up fully, lead with integrity, and navigate uncertainty with clarity.

Three Key Elements of Authentic Leadership 

1. Be Open

Transparency is key, even when you don’t have all the answers. Silence is still communication, and what isn’t said is often misinterpreted. Saying something, even if it’s not the whole picture, is almost always better than saying nothing.

Being transparent doesn’t mean sharing every detail. It means giving people a window into your experience in a human, appropriate way. Sharing even a small piece of your journey helps others understand where things stand and feel included. Naming your experience, admitting that things are hard or uncertain, normalizes feelings and can bring comfort. Pretending everything is fine can be more unsettling than honesty.

Try this: here are some simple “Start/Stop” actions you can experiment with to practice openness in your day-to-day leadership. What would you add for yourself? Consider one small action that feels meaningful to you and give it a try this week. 

Start/Stop Examples

• STOP only communicating when I have “new” information to share
• START communicating updates even if there is nothing “new”
• STOP pretending that I am fine
• START sharing my experience

2. Be Connected

Presence is powerful in today’s fast-paced world. Simply showing up with attention, slowing down, and listening deeply allows you to connect meaningfully, even amid stress.

Awareness of your default patterns, whether you’re a fixer rushing to solve problems or an internal processor quietly absorbing, helps you pause and choose connection over habit. Connection requires courage: leaning into discomfort, acknowledging difficulty, or showing up in small but meaningful ways builds trust and deepens relationships.

Practical ways to cultivate connection include: listening more than speaking, asking thoughtful questions, proactively checking in, and showing up in tangible ways—sending a note, offering support, or celebrating small wins. These gestures reinforce presence, demonstrate care, and make others feel truly seen.

Try this: here are some actionable “Start/Stop” steps you can take to strengthen connection with your team and colleagues. What would you add for yourself? Pick one small way to show up differently this week.

Start/Stop Examples

•  STOP filling all the space with my words
•  START asking better questions…or go on a listening tour
•  STOP hiding behind my default modes
•  START noticing my patterns and shifting

3. Be Well

Being well starts with grounding yourself in who you are, your values, and what matters most. Quick relief, like binge-watching a show or scrolling endlessly, provides only temporary escape. There is a time and place for Netflix, but awareness matters. Conscious choice transforms it from mindless numbing to intentional rest. True wellness comes from practices that reconnect you to yourself, your priorities, and your support system: spending time in nature, meditating, praying, journaling, or other grounding activities.

Seeking support is crucial. Even high-functioning leaders need people in their corner: a friend, mentor, or professional support. Allowing yourself to feel emotions consciously, rather than suppressing them, helps metabolize stress rather than letting it linger.

Equally important is recognizing what you can and cannot control. Holding tightly to outcomes you cannot influence only creates tension and anxiety. As Elizabeth Gilbert writes in All the Way to the River, “You’re afraid of surrender because you don’t want to lose control. But you never had control, all you had was anxiety.” Letting go of the illusion of control opens space to engage fully with what truly matters.

Try this: consider these “Start/Stop” actions as practical ways to prioritize wellness and lead from a grounded place. What would you add for yourself? Choose one practice that feels doable and meaningful this week. 

Start/Stop Examples

• STOP believing I should be able to handle this on my own (or better than I am)
• START reaching out to my people
• STOP believing I can control all the outcomes
• START getting clear on what I can control

Authenticity isn’t a destination, it’s a practice. By choosing openness, you foster trust and clarity. By prioritizing connection, you deepen relationships and collaboration. By committing to wellness, you sustain your capacity to lead effectively over the long term. These three pillars won’t cover every challenge you face, but they provide a framework to navigate uncertainty with a little more courage, a little more clarity, and a little more humanity. Start small. What is one practice you can START or STOP this week to move toward more authentic leadership?

Coffee or Cocktails on us! 

If you’re ready to cultivate more authentic leadership on your team—more clarity, more connection, more humanity—we’d love to partner with you. Fill out our Contact Form and we’ll schedule a discovery call (ideally over your beverage of choice).