Are you in search of some authentic leadership activities?
Authentic leadership is vital for cultivating a positive and productive work environment. It involves leading with honesty, integrity, and transparency, which inspires others to reach their full potential. While the concept of this leadership style resonates with many people, implementing it requires intentional actions and activities that foster trust, collaboration, and personal growth.
In this article, let’s see 10 team building activities that you can incorporate into your workplace to promote authentic leadership. These exercises can empower your employees to thrive.
10 Authentic Leadership Activities for the Workplace
Here are some team building exercises to develop authentic leadership.
#1. Personal Values Exercise
This activity involves reflecting on personal values and discussing how those values align with the organization’s vision. It encourages self-awareness and promotes understanding among employees.
Time: 10-15 minutes
Materials: Sticky notes, and markers
Participants: 3-6 people in a group
Instructions
- Ask each team member to write down their top 3 personal values on separate sticky notes.
- Have them share their values with the group and explain why these values are important to them.
- Discuss how these values align with the organization’s values and how they can be incorporated into their work.
Debrief
Reflect on the commonalities and differences in values within the team. Explore how aligning personal values with the organization’s values can contribute to a more authentic work environment.
#2. Deep Listening Practice
This exercise focuses on enhancing communication and building trust within the team. It encourages participants to listen actively and empathetically, fostering a deeper connection among colleagues.
Time: 15-20 minutes
Materials: None
Participants: Pairs
Instructions
- Divide the team into pairs and designate one person as the speaker and the other as the listener.
- The speaker shares a work-related experience, challenge, or idea for 2-3 minutes without interruptions. The listener focuses solely on listening without reacting, judging, or preparing a response.
- Once the speaker finishes, the listener summarizes what they heard to ensure understanding.
- Switch roles and repeat the exercise.
Debrief
Discuss as a group how it felt to be listened to without interruptions and how it felt to practice deep listening. Highlight the importance of empathetic communication in building trust and authenticity within the team.
#3. Strengths Sharing Session
This activity helps participants identify and share their unique strengths, fostering mutual appreciation and collaboration. By focusing on each individual’s contributions, it encourages authenticity and confidence.
Time: 15-20 minutes
Materials: Index cards, and pens
Participants: Small groups of 3-6 people
Instructions
- Provide each participant with an index card and ask them to write down one professional strength they believe they bring to the group.
- Once completed, have them share their strengths with their group and provide specific examples of how they have used those strengths at work.
- Encourage group members to acknowledge and affirm each other’s strengths, offering additional examples they have observed.
Debrief
Reflect on how recognizing and leveraging individual strengths can improve team dynamics and contribute to a more authentic workplace culture. Encourage the participants to consider how their strengths align with team goals.
#4. Leadership Storytelling
This exercise emphasizes vulnerability and authenticity by encouraging leaders to share meaningful experiences. It helps team members connect with leadership on a personal level.
Time: You decide
Materials: None
Participants: Entire team
Instructions
- Invite a leader or manager to share a personal story about a moment in their career where authenticity shaped their leadership approach.
- Encourage the story to include challenges, lessons learned, and how it influenced their values or decision-making.
- After the story, open the floor for questions and reflections from team members.
Debrief
Discuss how storytelling helps build trust and humanizes leaders in the eyes of their teams. Highlight how leaders who share openly about their journeys inspire authentic connections.
#5. Feedback Exchange Roundtable
This activity cultivates a culture of openness and trust by normalizing constructive feedback. It teaches participants how to give and receive feedback in a positive and respectful manner.
Time: 10-20 minutes
Materials: None
Participants: Small groups of 3-6 people
Instructions
- Divide the participants into small groups and assign one person to act as the facilitator.
- Each participant shares a recent success or area they are proud of, along with an aspect where they would like constructive feedback.
- Group members provide insights, suggestions, or encouragement based on what is shared.
- Rotate roles to ensure everyone has a chance to give and receive feedback.
Debrief
Reflect on the importance of feedback in personal and professional growth. Discuss how establishing a safe environment for feedback can enhance trust and authenticity in the workplace.
#6. Authentic Gratitude Circle
This activity focuses on fostering appreciation and strengthening team bonds. By expressing gratitude openly, participants develop a deeper sense of connection and authenticity.
Time: 15-20 minutes
Materials: None
Participants: 4-8 people in a group
Instructions
- Gather the team in a circle. Now, encourage each person to express gratitude to another team member.
- The gratitude should be specific, such as recognizing a particular action, behavior, or contribution.
- Continue around the circle until everyone has the opportunity to give and receive gratitude.
Debrief
Discuss how expressing and receiving gratitude impacts team morale and relationships. Highlight how appreciation reinforces a culture of authenticity and collaboration.
#7. Authenticity Check-In
This activity provides space for team members to share how they are feeling and what they need to show up authentically at work. It promotes honest dialogue and builds mutual understanding.
Time: 10-15 minutes
Materials: None
Participants: Entire team
Instructions
- Begin the check-in by asking each team member to share one word or a quick sentence describing how they are feeling.
- Follow up by encouraging them to share one thing they need from the team or workplace to continue feeling authentic and supported.
- Allow time for open discussion and ensure that responses are acknowledged respectfully.
Debrief
Reflect on how regular check-ins can enhance team cohesion and support authenticity. Discuss the strategies to address the needs raised during the activity.
#8. Empathy Mapping
This activity helps participants better understand each other’s perspectives by fostering empathy and communication. It is particularly useful during times of change or conflict.
Time: 15-20 minutes
Materials: Large sheets of paper, markers, and sticky notes
Participants: Small groups of 3-6 people
Instructions
- Provide each group with a sheet of paper divided into four quadrants labeled “Think,” “Feel,” “Say,” and “Do.”
- Choose a shared workplace scenario or challenge. On the sticky notes, have the group members write down what someone experiencing the situation might think, feel, say, and do.
- Place sticky notes in the corresponding quadrants, discussing patterns and perspectives as a group.
Debrief
Reflect on the importance of understanding diverse viewpoints. Discuss how empathy can guide authentic conversations and decision-making within teams.
#9. Commitment Wall
This exercise strengthens accountability and authenticity by encouraging participants to make and share commitments that align with team or organizational goals.
Time: 15-20 minutes
Materials: Markers, and sticky notes
Participants: Any number of people in a group
Instructions
- Ask the participants to think about one specific action or behavior they will commit to in order to promote authenticity within the group.
- Let everyone write these commitments on sticky notes and place them on the wall.
- Give time for each participant to explain their commitment to the group.
Debrief
Discuss how individual commitments contribute to the larger goals of the team. Revisit the wall during future meetings to celebrate progress and reinforce the importance of accountability.
#10. Vision Alignment Brainstorm
This activity aligns team members around a shared vision, ensuring authenticity in goals and actions. It fosters collaboration and a unified sense of purpose.
Time: You decide
Materials: Whiteboard, markers, and sticky notes
Participants: Any number of people per team
Instructions
- Begin by reviewing the organization’s mission and vision statements.
- Divide the participants into small groups and ask them to brainstorm ways their current projects or goals align with the organization’s vision.
- Have each group share their ideas, noting common themes and suggestions on the whiteboard.
- Work together to identify actionable steps that link individual and team efforts with the overarching vision.
Debrief
Reflect on how a unified vision drives authentic leadership and teamwork. Discuss how aligning daily work with a shared purpose adds meaning and fosters a stronger connection within the workplace.
Want Some Unique Leadership Development Activities?
If you want some unique activities to equip your employees with leadership skills, qualities, and mindset, you can get my new e-book:
Or Want Some Unique Team Building Activities?
If you want some unique activities for your employees (both in-person and virtual), you can get my new e-book:
Final Words
By incorporating these activities into your workplace routine, you can create an environment that champions authenticity, trust, and collaboration. Authentic leadership thrives when individuals feel valued, understood, and empowered to bring their whole selves to work. So, take the time to listen, reflect, and build connections with your team – the results will be well worth it. Remember, authenticity starts with you. Cheers to a more genuine and fulfilling workplace!
FAQ: Authentic Leadership Activities
You might have these questions in mind.
How often should these activities be conducted?
The frequency depends on your team’s specific needs. Some activities, like the Authenticity Check-In, can be conducted weekly or bi-weekly, while others, like the Vision Alignment Brainstorm, may be better suited for quarterly or annual sessions.
Can these activities be adapted for virtual teams?
Yes, absolutely! Most of the activities can be easily adapted to remote environments. For example, use virtual whiteboards, collaborative tools, and video conferencing platforms to facilitate participation and engagement.
How do these activities benefit team dynamics?
These activities help teams cultivate a deeper sense of connection and trust. By encouraging open dialogue and shared experiences, they improve communication, enhance collaboration, and create a more inclusive work environment. Teams that engage in these exercises often report increased morale, clearer alignment on goals, and a stronger sense of mutual respect.
Are these activities suitable for all industries?
Yes, the activities are versatile and can be tailored to suit a wide range of industries and organizational structures. Whether you’re working in a corporate setting, nonprofit, education, or creative field, these exercises can be adapted to meet the unique needs and challenges of your team.
Can leaders participate in these activities?
Absolutely! Leaders are encouraged to actively participate. Their involvement not only sets an example but also fosters a sense of equality and openness within the team. Leadership participation demonstrates a commitment to authenticity, reinforcing its importance for the entire organization.
Where can I find more leadership activities?
You can explore additional activities in our e-books linked above. They provide a comprehensive collection of exercises designed to develop leadership skills, promote team bonding, and foster a positive work culture.