A new year presents an opportunity to adopt habits that enhance your personal brand and increase your success in 2026 and beyond. While goals often get most of the attention at the start of the year, habits are what shape outcomes. The habits outlined here focus on the human side of leadership. They’re based in neuroscience and have a positive impact on individuals, teams, and organizations. They’re not common to all leaders, but are core to those who understand the importance of being human in an age when technology is embedded in virtually every element of business.
Integrate These Essential Authentic Leadership Behaviours Into Your Work
As you read through the list below, identify the habits you want to add to your daily actions and the ones you’re already practicing that you want to strengthen or expand in 2026.
1. Acknowledging Others
91% of employees say that receiving recognition for their work motivates them to put in more effort. Authentic leaders know this, commit to expressing gratitude, and understand that thanking their people publicly is even more meaningful. Acknowledging others doesn’t have to be elaborate to be effective. Honest, thoughtful praise is among the most impactful actions leaders can take to motivate their staff.
2. Coaching
Authentic leaders understand that their people are talented and resilient. They know how to use coaching techniques like asking powerful questions (instead of providing answers), listening with the intent to understand, and driving toward progress. They are convinced that these techniques are much more powerful than providing answers and being directive.
3. Inspiring Fun to Work
Work is the play of adulthood. Adults find joy and meaning in activities that feel less like chores and more like engaging play, according to The New York Times. Authentic leaders believe that fun is not frivolous. They know that when work is entertaining and enjoyable, it increases engagement, retention, and progress. They integrate fun into team meetings and encourage activities that keep the positive vibe going, especially during challenging times.
4. Communicating Regularly
We’ve all experienced the delayed flight with no one from the airline telling us what’s going on. The lack of information is often more frustrating than the delay. A 2025 internal communications report found that 79% of employees say the quality of communication they get from leaders impacts how well they understand organizational goals, and 72% say this understanding affects their engagement at work. Authentic leaders commit to regular, honest communication to keep their people grounded and positive. Small check-ins, regular updates, and open-door policies are ways effective leaders encourage consistent, open, and honest communication.
5. Encouraging Development and Growth
Authentic leaders are lifelong learners, and they demonstrate it visibly. They’re also committed to the development of their people and make time to help them identify and pursue impactful learning opportunities to achieve their goals (even if those goals mean that someday they’ll lose them to a different role). They understand that the only way to stay ahead of change is to keep learning.
6. Celebrating Progress
Authentic leaders know that every small win deserves recognition. They understand that acknowledging progress is just as powerful as celebrating outcomes. They’re committed to mini moments of appreciation and see these celebratory moments as fuel for moving forward, enhancing team cohesion, and achieving big goals.
7. Asking For Feedback
Feedback is among the most valuable gifts you can give, and receive. In addition to providing thoughtful, constructive feedback to their people regularly (not just during performance reviews), authentic leaders see the value of seeking feedback from their manager, peers, and the members of their team. They integrate feedback opportunities into team activities like meetings, and they inspire those around them to do the same. By doing so, they create environments where learning and improvement are expected, supported, and safe.
Turn These Leadership Behaviours Into Habits And Watch Your Career Soar
Authentic leaders create human connections with their people by exhibiting skills, behaviours, and mindsets that increase engagement, inspire creativity, and create connection. Once you identify the behaviours that you’d like to focus on for 2026, document them and read them regularly so you’re reminded to turn them into habits. Turning these behaviours into daily habits will strengthen your leadership effectiveness and polish your personal brand in meaningful ways.
Feature image credit: Getty
By William Arruda
Find William Arruda on LinkedIn. Visit William’s website.
