Why Being Genuine is Key to Building Trust on LinkedIn
The Authentic Leader
In an increasingly digital and interconnected world, LinkedIn has emerged as the ultimate professional platform; a place to showcase achievements, share insights and connect with like-minded individuals. But in a sea of polished profiles and curated updates, one quality consistently sets people apart: authenticity.
Being genuine isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a powerful tool for building trust, fostering engagement and enhancing your personal brand. Here’s why authenticity matters on LinkedIn and how you can embrace it as a leader.
Why Authenticity Matters
At its core, LinkedIn is about people. No matter how impressive your qualifications or career milestones, what truly resonates with your audience is the person behind the title. Being authentic allows you to:
Build Trust: Trust is the foundation of all meaningful relationships, both online and offline. Authenticity demonstrates that you’re transparent, approachable and real - qualities that attract trust and loyalty.
Create Connection: Genuine stories and reflections invite others to see themselves in your experiences. This relatability fosters stronger connections with your network.
Stand Out: In a world where many professionals strive for perfection, authenticity is a refreshing differentiator. It’s your unique voice and perspective that make you memorable.
The Risk of Perfection
While it’s tempting to present an idealised version of yourself, over-polished content can feel impersonal and people can’t relate to it. People don’t connect with perfection; they connect with imperfection, growth and shared humanity - all with feeling.
For instance, instead of simply stating, “I successfully led my team to exceed targets,” share the journey:
What challenges did you face?
How did you overcome them?
What lessons did you learn along the way?
By showing the process, not just the result, you bring depth and relatability to your narrative.
What Authenticity Looks Like on LinkedIn
Authenticity doesn’t mean baring your soul or oversharing. It’s about finding the balance between professionalism and personal connection. Here’s how to express authenticity on LinkedIn:
Share Personal Lessons
Reflect on moments of growth, whether they stemmed from success or failure. For example, discuss how stepping out of your comfort zone helped you become a better leader.
Celebrate Others
Highlight the contributions of your team, mentors, or colleagues. Authenticity isn’t about self-promotion; it’s about recognising the collective effort that drives success.
Show Vulnerability
Share challenges you’ve faced and how you navigated them. For example, “When I first became a manager, I struggled to delegate. Over time, I learned that empowering others leads to stronger outcomes.”
Be Honest About Your Values
Speak about what matters to you, whether it’s diversity, innovation, or sustainability. Let your audience know what drives your decisions and leadership style.
Practical Tips for Being Genuine
To embody authenticity on LinkedIn, try the following strategies:
Write Conversationally: Use your natural tone of voice. Imagine you’re speaking to a trusted colleague, not writing a formal report.
Avoid Jargon Overload: Complex terminology can alienate your audience. Keep your language clear and accessible.
Engage Thoughtfully: Respond to comments and messages with sincerity. Show genuine interest in your network’s opinions and experiences.
Be Consistent: Authenticity requires consistency. Ensure your profile, posts and interactions align with your values and professional image.
Examples of Authentic LinkedIn Posts
Here are two examples that demonstrate authenticity:
1. Sharing Lessons from Failure
"When I first launched a project, I was so focused on perfection that I delayed key decisions. The team felt the strain and deadlines slipped. I learned that leadership isn’t about doing everything perfectly - it’s about trusting the team, making timely choices and learning as you go."
2. Celebrating a Team Achievement
"Last year, our team faced a daunting challenge: entering a saturated market with a new product. Thanks to their creativity and resilience, we not only broke through but exceeded expectations. I’m so proud of what we accomplished together - it’s a reminder that collaboration is our greatest strength."
Both examples highlight personal insights, growth and appreciation for others - making them relatable and inspiring.
The Benefits of Authentic Leadership on LinkedIn
When you embrace authenticity, you:
Inspire Your Network: Real stories motivate others to overcome their challenges and strive for growth.
Strengthen Professional Relationships: Genuine connections lead to deeper, more meaningful interactions.
Build Credibility: Authenticity reinforces your reputation as a trustworthy and empathetic leader.
Authenticity is more than a strategy; it’s a mindset. By embracing who you are - your values, your journey, your lessons - you show your audience that leadership is about growth, humility and connection.
On LinkedIn, where so many strive to impress, be the leader who inspires. Share your story, celebrate your team and engage with sincerity. The trust and relationships you build will be worth far more than perfection ever could.
Take a look at our Executive storytelling if you’re interested in more.