"Authenticity is the alignment of head, mouth, heart, and feet - thinking, saying, feeling, and doing the same thing - consistently. This builds trust, and followers love leaders they can trust." – John Maxwell

My grandfather was a farmer. I can recall when he conducted business with another farmer in our community. After a brief bargaining moment, they smiled, shook hands, and went on their way. I asked my father about his later, and he smiled and said, "Son, that handshake wasn't just a greeting. It was a promise. A promise that both would stand by their words."

This memory of my grandfather, that embodiment of genuine leadership, still resonates with me. He wasn't just a man of words; he was a man of action. In him, I found what it means to be an authentic leader. His life wasn't just a series of events but a masterclass in leadership for me. The key? Trust comes through consistency. As I journeyed through life, I realized that while we can aspire to be trustworthy, trust erodes if there's a mismatch between what we say and what we do. It's a foundation painstakingly built over time, yet worth every second.

As I navigate my leadership, I frequently pause and reflect: "Do my words mirror my actions?" I extend this question to my inner circle, which holds me accountable. This introspection, this reflection, is the compass that helps gauge the authenticity of our leadership.

This week, I challenge you to take a moment and reflect. Are you being the leader you'd follow? If yes, keep the momentum going. If not, remember that every day is an opportunity to realign, rebuild, and make that handshake count.

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