Have you ever heard that authenticity is everything? As credit union leaders, we are called to be principled, transparent, and tackle issues head-on with high levels of integrity. Yet there are societal expectations, personal barriers, and organizational dynamics that often challenge our authenticity.

In most credit union cultures, there is an unspoken emphasis on uniformity rather than individuality. A leader who dares to veer too far from the norm is often treated with suspicion. In the name of “professionalism,” leaders may likewise feel compelled to mask their emotional states, pretending to be someone or something they are not. Leading from a distance is impossible because it gives a leader an excuse not to engage.

Inside our credit unions, the demand for immediate results can force us to pursue short-term wins over long-term, value-based goals. These short-term performance pressures can derail us from being our authentic selves. As much as we want to be authentic leaders, how does the fear of rejection, aversion to risks, pressures to conform, and inconsistent values and actions challenge us to lead authentically?

And here comes the body blow: Exhibiting authentic leadership is reflective of how you inspire, motivate, and guide your followers.

Becoming an authentic leader is not a matter of honor, but a challenge. There are several innate challenges to authenticity. We’re here to unpack how you can go from good to great as an authentic leader at your credit union.

Give Yourself Self-Awareness

Authentic leadership is not merely “being yourself.” This viewpoint can lead you to resist feedback and growth opportunities. Authenticity should not be an excuse for failing to grow, adapt, and improve. Another common pitfall is oversharing both information and emotions. You must balance honesty with discretion and consider the context and appropriateness of what is being shared.

Authentic leaders emphasize self-awareness. It’s taking ownership of your work, your decisions, and your contributions to the organization’s success overall. Regular self-reflection and mindfulness practices, such as journaling, as well as 360-degree feedback, can help you increase your emotional intelligence. Also, seek feedback from peers and engage in continuous learning. A mentor or coach can guide you to develop your own unique leadership model.

 Define and Align Organizational Values

It is also critical not to overcorrect. A common risk is when a leader is focused solely on their own authenticity to the point that they neglect their credit union’s needs and values. The culture and values of the credit union play a significant role in shaping leadership. Authentic leaders align their actions with their values and the values of the organization. This alignment creates a coherent and compelling vision that inspires and motivates others.

If you find a misalignment with building trust, inspiring loyalty and engagement, or creating a positive culture, it’s time to clarify (or reclarify) values. Review the credit union’s mission and vision statement to understand its core values and long-term goals. Compare personal values and organizational values to identify areas of alignment and potential conflict. Then, embed those values into your training programs, performance reviews, and development plans.

To Err is Human

Nobody’s perfect—not even the boss! Authentic leaders create a culture where failures are seen as opportunities for learning and growth. When leaders admit their own blunders, they build trust and embolden their teams to take smart risks, innovate, and improve without the fear of failure.

The key is not to pass blame or judgment, but rather to say, “Now I begin again.” Give yourself and others a personal invitation to do your greatest work yet – always fixated on the road ahead, never stuck in the rear-view mirror.

As Vice President of Brand Experience for Your Marketing Co., Frank Allgood works with credit unions to develop strong leaders, create effective training programs, and build powerful brands. Want to connect? Call 864.326.8740 or email [email protected].