THE BLOG

What Authentic Leaders Do Well and What Sets Them Apart

authentic blog boss up emotional intelligence raychel perman vulnerability Oct 03, 2025

AUTHENTIC leaders are people who are true to themselves, genuine towards others, and honest in their communication. They are seen as individuals with high standards and integrity. Everyone loves working with an authentic person! But what do they do well? And what sets them apart? Let's talk about it...

Authentic leaders place a lot of value on emotional intelligence. Many leaders struggle when it comes to naming and feeling their feelings and emotions. But authentic leaders place a lot of value on emotional intelligence so they do what it takes to build that skill. They understand that this leadership trait is a strength-not a weakness.

You can increase your emotional intelligence in a variety of ways like self-reflection, introspection, and emotional-regulation. I've done this with the help of great counselors, coaches, and authors well versed in this subject. You don't know what you don't know! If you want to be set apart as an authentic leader you will make increasing your emotional intelligence a priority. 

Another thing Authentic leaders do well is they encourage vulnerability with themselves and others. 

When leaders can be vulnerable with themselves and others the shackles of self-doubt fall off and boldness returns. Authentic leaders understand that vulnerability is what allows them to rise up out of the ashes of their circumstances and overcome imposter syndrome! For me, telling my story, (even the ugly parts) and holding space for others who have experienced similar circumstances as me, helps me harness the power of vulnerability. Not to mention it builds my skills of empathy, compassion, and understanding. 

You can encourage vulnerability in a variety of ways. You don't have to share every detail of every hard thing you've ever experienced in your life to encourage vulnerable. You can lead by example by sharing examples of what you've overcome with your employees when it's appropriate to do so. Or, you can foster a safe environment with your team by encouraging open communication and practicing active listening. Look for moments to encourage vulnerability with yourself and others. 

One way that you can increase your skills as an AUTHENTIC person or leader is to put yourself in environments where you can work on growing the skills of emotional intelligence and vulnerability. We have a variety of ways to help you do just that at RAYMA Team®. Including our upcoming event, Boss Up: The AUTHENTIC Leadership Experience happening Thursday November 6th in Mandan ND. Being a part of this event will absolutely increase your ability to lead authentically. Can't make it? Then we have a variety of options to help you build authenticity in the links below. 

Authentic leaders have a profound impact on their teams, the businesses they lead, and the people who follow them. Being true to yourself, increasing your emotional intelligence, and encouraging vulnerability is what sets you apart as a leader.  In a world where leadership is often associated with power and control, authentic leaders stand out. By cultivating AUTHENTIC leadership individuals and organizations can thrive and leave a legacy that matters. 

With Grace & Grit, 

~ Coach Raychel


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Raychel Perman has been in the Counseling and Coaching industry for over 10 years. She specializes in helping entrepreneurs build their soft skills and become confident Leaders of healthy teams. That means she helps her clients increase courage, manage stress and overwhelm, and implement healthy boundaries. She is the author of several books and journals, including Amazon the best-seller, Unbroken. She is a seasoned speaker and the co-host of The Fearless Feminine Leadership Podcast. Raychel lives in North Dakota with husband, 3 teenagers, and 3 fur-babies