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Authentic Leadership: Beyond "Fake it till' you make it"

Kylie Saunders • Mar 28, 2024

Let's dive into a topic that's been buzzing around the leadership circles for a while now – "fake it till you make it." We've all heard it, maybe even used it as a mantra at some point. The idea that projecting confidence and competence, even if you're not quite there yet, can pave the way to success. But here's the thing, in a world where authenticity and transparency are becoming the gold standard, where does that leave us as leaders?


I'll be the first to admit, there have been times in my own journey where I've had to lean heavily on self-belief and take a leap of faith. And more often than not, I've surprised myself with the outcomes. But it's got me thinking – how far can we really push this before it starts to blur the lines of integrity?


Let's talk about clarity of vision and purpose, and staying true to our own values and beliefs. Authentic leaders aren't trying to mimic someone else's style; they're grounded in their vision and inspire others to join them on that journey.


And when it comes to effectiveness, authenticity is the secret sauce. Trust and credibility aren't built on a facade of confidence; they're nurtured through genuine connections and transparency. Sure, "faking it" might give you a temporary boost, but it's authenticity that breeds long-term loyalty and productivity.


Now, let's talk about navigating disruption and change – something we're all too familiar with in today's fast-paced world. Authentic leaders don't sugarcoat the challenges; they embrace them head-on, fostering a culture of adaptability and resilience. Instead of pretending to have all the answers, they engage their teams in honest dialogue and empower them to face uncertainty together.


And let's not forget about fear of failure – the silent killer of innovation and growth. Authentic leaders see failure not as a setback, but as a stepping stone to success. They create an environment where taking risks is encouraged, where vulnerability is seen as a strength rather than a weakness.


Lastly, as we climb the ladder of success, it's easy to lose sight of our own needs and aspirations. Authentic leaders prioritise personal well-being and fulfillment, understanding that true success isn't just about climbing the corporate ladder, but about staying true to ourselves along the way.

So, in a nutshell, while "fake it till you make it" might offer some short-term gains, true leadership effectiveness lies in authenticity and transparency. By staying true to our vision, navigating change with grace, and embracing failure as a catalyst for growth, we can unlock our full potential as leaders and make a real impact in the world.


Embracing authenticity over “faking it until you make it” as the cornerstone of daily success, fostering trust, resilience and meaningful connection is what I want to be known for. What about you?


Here's to building leadership muscle, living authentically, embracing learnings and inspiring others to do the same.


Reach out to me kylie.saunders@worktrybe.com for a coffee and a chat on how WorkTrybe can partner with your organisation, to help you lead authentically.

KYLIE SAUNDERS, FOUNDER & CEO


Kylie is an executive leader with a 23+ year career spanning Business Development, Sales & Marketing and Operational P&L Management circa $350M in global recruitment & outsourcing firms. With vast experience supporting clients with strategy, implementation and management of Recruitment, RPO, MSP, HRO, PPO and technology solutions, Kylie has had the pleasure of working with SME business, large ASX-Listed and Multi-national enterprise across the private and public sectors. 


She highly values the power of relationships and has delivered a myriad of award-winning customer solutions with talented, committed teams. With diverse experience and deep connections across multi-geographies in a fast-paced environment, she is a synthesizer of strategy, priorities, data, and the nuances of various stakeholder groups to achieve desired outcomes.

The Power of People: Crafting a culture for success

By Melissa Martin • 02 May, 2024
In the intricate tapestry of organisational success, one thread stands out above all others: the power of people. Amidst the ever-evolving strategies and shifting landscapes of business, it is the collective spirit and mindset of employees that truly determine an organisation's success and its failure. At the heart of this lies the cultivation of a vibrant company culture—a culture that fosters collaboration, innovation, and a sense of purpose. Critical to understanding the dynamics of organisational culture is examining it through the lens of employees. From their perspective, culture isn't just about catchy slogans, ping pong tables or lofty values; it's about the daily experiences, interactions, and opportunities that shape their professional journey. It's about feeling empowered to voice ideas, challenge norms, and contribute meaningfully to the collective mission. Here at WorkTrybe, with our years of HR experience, we've witnessed firsthand the transformative impact of prioritising the "employee first" approach. By placing the well-being and growth of employees at the forefront, organisations have unlocked new levels of productivity, engagement, and resilience. Through our partnerships with companies, we've observed how a strong culture not only attracts top talent but also retains and nurtures it for long-term success. To delve deeper into these insights and explore real-world examples of culture-driven success, we invite you to tune in to our podcast series, "Trybes that Thrive." In these episodes, we sit down with industry leaders, HR experts, and employees themselves to uncover the secrets to building resilient, high-performing cultures. From sharing best practices to navigating common challenges, each episode offers valuable insights and actionable strategies for fostering a culture that empowers people to thrive. On speaking to Matt Owens , Director at Annexa, his wish was that he could turn back time and focus on the critical thinking through an employees lens 5-6 years ago which he believes would’ve fast tracked his companies growth trajectory earlier. Whilst Tull Roseby , Founder at Absolute Care & Health and Founder & CEO at Dailycare.com.au, believes that by creating a culture within his organisation that people can come into the office everyday, energised to the point where they say ‘Yes, I’ve got this!!', they will continue to be a very successful business. One of the key pillars of cultivating a thriving culture is fostering a culture of continuous learning and critical thinking. When employees are encouraged to question assumptions, explore new perspectives, and challenge the status quo, it creates a fertile ground for innovation and adaptability. By tapping into the diverse talents and insights of their workforce, organisations can stay ahead of the curve and drive sustainable growth. In conclusion, the power of people in shaping organisational culture cannot be overstated. By embracing a holistic "employee first" approach and fostering a culture of continuous learning and critical thinking, organisations can create environments where individuals feel valued, inspired, and equipped to achieve their full potential. As we continue on this journey of organisational evolution, let us remember that it is the collective efforts and shared values of employees that truly drive success in the long run.

AFL Gather Round: The Importance of Finding YOUR Trybe

By Jamie O'Keeffe • 11 Apr, 2024
After personally experiencing the amazing weekend that is Gather Round in Adelaide last weekend, I had time to reflect (driving 8 hours home gives you plenty of time to reflect) on the phenomenon that is football and its impact on the Australian landscape. As we all know, there are 5 seasons in a year; Autumn, Winter, Spring, Summer and 'Footy Season'. Being a passionate football follower since I was 6, I have always said the best day of the year is AFL Grand Final Day (Christmas Day for grownups!) and the worst day of the year is the day after as it's the furthest away from the start of the season. And every week during 'Footy Season' the passionate followers know it's not just about the game of football; it's about the tribes (we call them 'Trybes') that form around each team, creating a rich tapestry of identity, loyalty, and passion. As fans gather round to support their beloved teams, they become part of something larger than themselves—a community bonded by a common cause. Tribalism in AFL runs deep, ingrained in the fabric of Australian culture. From the bustling streets of Melbourne to the remote corners of Western Australia, supporters proudly don their team colours, chant their anthems, and celebrate victories with unwavering energy. But what exactly drives this sense of tribal loyalty?

Unseen Struggles, Untapped Potential: Chronic Pain's Silent Impact on Workplace Dynamics

By Melissa Martin • 02 Apr, 2024
In the bustling corridors of workplaces across Australia, there exists a silent struggle that often goes unnoticed: chronic pain. While it may not be readily apparent, chronic pain affects a significant portion of the workforce, influencing productivity, morale, and overall workplace dynamics. Despite its prevalence and profound impact, chronic pain remains largely unaddressed, leaving both employees and employers grappling with its consequences. In this article, we delve into the hidden realities of chronic pain in the Australian workplace and its far-reaching effects on businesses. THE PREVALENCE OF CHRONIC PAIN Chronic pain is a pervasive issue in Australia, with millions of individuals enduring its relentless grasp. According to data from Pain Australia , approximately one in five Australians lives with chronic pain , making it a prevalent and widespread condition. Its manifestations vary from persistent backaches and migraines to neuropathic pain and arthritis, encompassing a spectrum of debilitating experiences. THE IMPACT ON BUSINESS The ramifications of chronic pain extend far beyond individual suffering, seeping into the fabric of workplaces and exerting a tangible impact on business operations. One of the primary consequences is diminished productivity. Employees grappling with chronic pain often find it challenging to concentrate, complete tasks efficiently, or maintain consistent attendance. As a result, businesses may experience decreased output, missed deadlines, and disrupted workflows, ultimately compromising their bottom line. Moreover, chronic pain can exacerbate workplace stress and strain interpersonal relationships. Employees coping with persistent pain may experience heightened levels of anxiety, frustration, or irritability, affecting their interactions with colleagues and superiors. This strain on interpersonal dynamics can lead to conflict, decreased team cohesion, and a toxic work environment, undermining morale and employee retention efforts. Furthermore, chronic pain incurs substantial economic costs for businesses. From absenteeism and presenteeism, to healthcare expenditures and disability claims, the financial toll of chronic pain can be significant. According to a report by Deloitte Access Economics , the annual cost of chronic pain to the Australian economy exceeds $73 billion , encompassing both direct healthcare expenses and indirect costs associated with lost productivity. ADDRESSING THE SILENT STRUGGLE Despite its pervasive nature and profound impact, chronic pain often remains overlooked in workplace health and wellness initiatives. Employers must recognize the importance of addressing chronic pain proactively, not only to alleviate the suffering of affected employees but also to foster a more supportive and productive work environment. Implementing comprehensive workplace wellness programs that foster a culture of empathy, understanding and encompass pain management strategies, can be instrumental in supporting employees with chronic pain. These initiatives may include ergonomic assessments, flexible work arrangements, access to counselling or support groups, and education on pain management techniques. By prioritising employee well-being and providing resources to mitigate the effects of chronic pain, businesses can enhance productivity, morale, and overall organisational resilience. UNLOCKING POTENTIAL THROUGH EMPATHY AND SUPPORT In conclusion, chronic pain represents a silent yet significant challenge within the Australian workplace, exerting a profound impact on productivity, morale, and business dynamics. By acknowledging the prevalence of chronic pain and supporting affected employees, businesses can mitigate its adverse effects and unlock untapped potential within their workforce. Through empathy, understanding, and proactive measures, workplaces can transform the narrative surrounding chronic pain, fostering environments where all employees can thrive, irrespective of their health challenges.
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