March 19, 2025 • 13 mins
Hey, friend!
Think about those times you have interacted with someone who is passive-aggressive, or who has a hidden agenda. Someone who says one thing but means another. It is unsettling, disorienting, and just plain exhausting.
In contrast, it is SO refreshing it is to interact with someone who is ernest. Someone who is sincere, genuine, and straightforward. Someone who is honest, authentic, and transparent not only in their communication, but in their actions.
In today’s episode, I share 8 benefits of being ernest, why it is good to be ernest, and how it benefits your leadership, and your relationships.
I pray this blesses you!
Becky
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
(00:00):
I often talk about qualities of leadership, some qualities that we should desire to demonstrate
(00:08):
as effective leaders, things like credibility and excellent communication skills, things
like confidence and courage, which is taking action in the presence of fear.
But the other day, I thought of a word that I hadn't really given a whole lot of thought
to, a quality that's so important in leadership, and that is the quality of being earnest.
(00:39):
I think about, you know, how do I use that word earnest?
Well, I earnestly desire something.
I want to, I usually use it as an adverb.
I stick an LY on the end.
But I didn't do that as I was thinking about this episode.
I thought, what does it mean to be earnest in my leadership?
(00:59):
And what are the benefits of being earnest?
And it may come as no surprise to you that as I really got to thinking about it, I came
up with eight, eight benefits of being earnest in your leadership.
Are you curious?
Let's dive in to today's episode.
(01:21):
Hey, friend, are you a people-pleasing conflict-avoiding leader?
Is your secret relationship with fear affecting your leadership decisions?
Do you want to learn how to build credibility and confidence or to navigate difficult conversations?
Do you long to manage your time without sacrificing your family or self-care?
(01:45):
Welcome to leadership becomes her.
I'm Becky Burroughs, your host and a minister and life and leadership coach with over 50 years
experience in leadership.
I firmly believe God has given you everything you need to lead well.
You have the toolbox.
You just need to learn how to use the tools.
So get comfy or start a mindless task.
(02:07):
You know how to pause or rewind if you need to.
Let's get started.
[Music]
So, I'm a word nerd.
I've said that many times on this podcast and when I am thinking about words which I do often,
I look up their meaning, I look up their origin, I want to know that I'm using words absolutely
(02:31):
correctly.
So I looked up the word earnest because as I said in the intro, I tend to use it as an ad
verb, I earnestly want something or I tell you something earnestly but to be earnest is
to be sincere, genuine and straightforward and that has significant benefits in leadership
(02:54):
because being earnest is all about being honest.
It's about being authentic, completely transparent in your actions and in your communication.
If you are earnest, you don't have a hidden agenda.
If you are earnest, you're not passive aggressive.
(03:14):
If you are earnest, you don't say one thing and mean another.
People don't have to weigh and measure your words and your actions because in the past,
they haven't always lined up.
So I'm going to talk about eight benefits of being earnest in your leadership.
(03:34):
Number one, being earnest, being sincere, genuine and straightforward, builds trust and credibility.
Now I've talked about credibility a lot on this podcast and let me tell you why it's
good.
When you are earnest, you are sincere, you're genuine, you're straightforward, you are creating
(03:55):
a foundation of trust because people know they just sense that you're being real with
them.
You are sincere in your words and your actions.
Others are more likely to believe in you and follow your leadership.
There's a leadership benefit of being earnest because trust is the cornerstone of effective
(04:20):
leadership.
Credibility literally means when others trust your leadership and when your team trusts
you, they're more willing to be open with you.
They're more willing to share their ideas.
They're more willing to follow your leadership.
Consequently, you end up building stronger, more cohesive relationships within your team.
(04:41):
And how did you do that?
By being earnest.
By being sincere, genuine and straightforward.
By being honest, authentic and transparent in your actions and in your communications.
So the number one benefit of being earnest in your leadership is you are building trust
and credibility.
(05:02):
Number two, it fosters authenticity.
Now why is that good?
Because earnest allows you to be authentic.
You're not pretending to be someone you're not.
You're comfortable in your own skin and that makes interactions with others feel more genuine.
And what's the leadership benefit?
(05:23):
Authentic leaders are respected because they're consistent and transparent.
They set the example for their team, demonstrating that it's okay.
It's okay to be vulnerable.
It's okay to admit mistakes and it's okay to be true to one's values.
Number three, being earnest promotes clear and transparent communication.
(05:47):
Now why is that good?
Because an earnest approach encourages everyone to have open, honest communication because
you're leading by example.
You're direct about your expectations, you're direct about your concerns, you're direct
about your goals and that reduces confusion and eliminates misinterpretation.
(06:10):
So what's the leadership benefit?
Clear communication helps prevent misunderstandings and it aligns everyone toward common objectives.
When you communicate transparently, it minimizes the need for constant clarification and it
allows your team to move forward with confidence.
(06:32):
I've been in situations where I'm like, let me make sure I understand what it is you want
me to do.
And a lot of times that's because the other person did not communicate clearly.
Sometimes it's because they send mixed messages and I want to be sure this is not one of those
times.
Number four, being earnest enhances emotional intelligence.
(06:53):
Intelligence.
Sometimes that good, earnestness involves being sincere and empathetic.
So it allows you to connect with others on a deeper, more emotional level because you are
expressing genuine care and concern.
And what's the leadership benefit?
A leader with high emotional intelligence understands and responds to the emotions other
(07:18):
team members.
And this, this falls to a supportive environment where employees feel valued.
It also helps in managing conflict and stress.
Number five, being earnest encourages accountability.
Now why is that good?
Well when you're earnest, you take responsibility for your actions and your decisions.
(07:40):
You acknowledge your role in both successes and your role in failures without deflecting
blame to anyone else.
That's the leadership benefit.
Leaders who take accountability inspire their teams to do the same.
So when you own up to your mistakes and you are transparent about the steps you're taking
to improve, you create a culture of responsibility and continuous growth.
(08:08):
Number six, being earnest strengthens relationships.
Now why is that good?
People appreciate sincerity.
People gravitate toward those who are earnest in their interactions.
Being earnest helps to build meaningful, positive relationships where both parties feel respected
(08:28):
and heard.
And what's the leadership benefit?
Well, as a leader, building strong relationships with your team members leads to better collaboration,
stronger loyalty and a more supportive work culture.
When people feel genuinely cared for and respected, they're more likely to go the extra mile.
(08:52):
Number seven, being earnest sets a positive example.
Now why is that good?
As an earnest leader, you serve as a role model for your team.
By demonstrating sincerity and honesty in all your dealings, you set the standard for how
people should communicate and behave in the workplace.
(09:12):
And what's the leadership benefit?
Setting a positive example for your team cultivates a healthy, respectful work culture.
Team members are more likely to embody the same qualities leading to a more unified, productive
and ethical team.
(09:33):
And finally, number eight, being earnest increases emotional resilience.
Now why is that good?
Well, being earnest allows you to embrace vulnerability and to face challenges openly.
And by being straightforward about difficulties, you're better able to cope with adversity.
(09:53):
And what's the leadership benefit?
As a leader, emotional resilience is crucial for navigating tough situations.
As an earnest leader that shows that it's okay to face challenges head on and that setbacks
or opportunities for growth, not failure, you are demonstrating a mindset that helps
(10:16):
the team stay not only motivated but adaptable.
So as you can see, being earnest, it's not just about being honest.
It's about being genuine, transparent and emotionally intelligent in your interactions.
As a leader, if you can be earnest, it will help you build trust, communicate effectively,
(10:40):
foster accountability and strengthen relationships.
It also sets a positive example for your team and it boosts emotional resilience and all
of these contribute to a healthier, more productive work environment.
Now in leadership, sincerity and authenticity go a long way to creating an environment where
(11:05):
everyone feels valued, motivated and committed to the shared goals of the organization.
So today I've listed eight reasons, eight benefits of being earnest in leadership, why
it's good and what the consequent leadership benefit is for you.
(11:28):
And the funny thing is all we're really talking about is being real, be sincere, be genuine,
be straightforward, honest, authentic in your dealings and transparent.
Don't make people have to guess and figure out, does she really mean what she's saying?
Is this a passive aggressive statement or is she being straightforward?
(11:50):
Is there a hidden agenda here?
Something doesn't sound quite right, maybe I need to get clarification.
When we lead that way, it just creates confusion.
It creates insecurity among the people that we're working with because they don't really
know how to take what we say or what to do with it.
(12:11):
So focus on being earnest, sincere, genuine, straightforward, honest, authentic, transparent,
both in your communication and in your actions.
And then watch what happens, watch the benefit of setting that standard and in the workplace.
(12:35):
Watch how other people began to focus on being earnest as well because of the example that
you have set.
I hope you give it a try.
And hey, let's do this again next week.
It is my prayer that this podcast inspired you, blessed you, or made you think.
(12:56):
If so, please share it with a friend, subscribe, and please leave a review.
Hey, I want to connect with you.
If you are a Christian woman who leads and you are interested in one of my Leadership Boot
(13:16):
camps for Women in Ministry, this is a four week workshop.
Or becoming part of a Kairos Cohort, your long group coaching.
Send me a DM or an email for more information.
We'll talk soon.
(upbeat music)
(upbeat music)
(upbeat music)
(13:37):
(upbeat music)
I often talk about qualities of leadership, some qualities that we should desire to demonstrate
(00:08):
as effective leaders, things like credibility and excellent communication skills, things
like confidence and courage, which is taking action in the presence of fear.
But the other day, I thought of a word that I hadn't really given a whole lot of thought
to, a quality that's so important in leadership, and that is the quality of being earnest.
(00:39):
I think about, you know, how do I use that word earnest?
Well, I earnestly desire something.
I want to, I usually use it as an adverb.
I stick an LY on the end.
But I didn't do that as I was thinking about this episode.
I thought, what does it mean to be earnest in my leadership?
(00:59):
And what are the benefits of being earnest?
And it may come as no surprise to you that as I really got to thinking about it, I came
up with eight, eight benefits of being earnest in your leadership.
Are you curious?
Let's dive in to today's episode.
(01:21):
Hey, friend, are you a people-pleasing conflict-avoiding leader?
Is your secret relationship with fear affecting your leadership decisions?
Do you want to learn how to build credibility and confidence or to navigate difficult conversations?
Do you long to manage your time without sacrificing your family or self-care?
(01:45):
Welcome to leadership becomes her.
I'm Becky Burroughs, your host and a minister and life and leadership coach with over 50 years
experience in leadership.
I firmly believe God has given you everything you need to lead well.
You have the toolbox.
You just need to learn how to use the tools.
So get comfy or start a mindless task.
(02:07):
You know how to pause or rewind if you need to.
Let's get started.
[Music]
So, I'm a word nerd.
I've said that many times on this podcast and when I am thinking about words which I do often,
I look up their meaning, I look up their origin, I want to know that I'm using words absolutely
(02:31):
correctly.
So I looked up the word earnest because as I said in the intro, I tend to use it as an ad
verb, I earnestly want something or I tell you something earnestly but to be earnest is
to be sincere, genuine and straightforward and that has significant benefits in leadership
(02:54):
because being earnest is all about being honest.
It's about being authentic, completely transparent in your actions and in your communication.
If you are earnest, you don't have a hidden agenda.
If you are earnest, you're not passive aggressive.
(03:14):
If you are earnest, you don't say one thing and mean another.
People don't have to weigh and measure your words and your actions because in the past,
they haven't always lined up.
So I'm going to talk about eight benefits of being earnest in your leadership.
(03:34):
Number one, being earnest, being sincere, genuine and straightforward, builds trust and credibility.
Now I've talked about credibility a lot on this podcast and let me tell you why it's
good.
When you are earnest, you are sincere, you're genuine, you're straightforward, you are creating
(03:55):
a foundation of trust because people know they just sense that you're being real with
them.
You are sincere in your words and your actions.
Others are more likely to believe in you and follow your leadership.
There's a leadership benefit of being earnest because trust is the cornerstone of effective
(04:20):
leadership.
Credibility literally means when others trust your leadership and when your team trusts
you, they're more willing to be open with you.
They're more willing to share their ideas.
They're more willing to follow your leadership.
Consequently, you end up building stronger, more cohesive relationships within your team.
(04:41):
And how did you do that?
By being earnest.
By being sincere, genuine and straightforward.
By being honest, authentic and transparent in your actions and in your communications.
So the number one benefit of being earnest in your leadership is you are building trust
and credibility.
(05:02):
Number two, it fosters authenticity.
Now why is that good?
Because earnest allows you to be authentic.
You're not pretending to be someone you're not.
You're comfortable in your own skin and that makes interactions with others feel more genuine.
And what's the leadership benefit?
(05:23):
Authentic leaders are respected because they're consistent and transparent.
They set the example for their team, demonstrating that it's okay.
It's okay to be vulnerable.
It's okay to admit mistakes and it's okay to be true to one's values.
Number three, being earnest promotes clear and transparent communication.
(05:47):
Now why is that good?
Because an earnest approach encourages everyone to have open, honest communication because
you're leading by example.
You're direct about your expectations, you're direct about your concerns, you're direct
about your goals and that reduces confusion and eliminates misinterpretation.
(06:10):
So what's the leadership benefit?
Clear communication helps prevent misunderstandings and it aligns everyone toward common objectives.
When you communicate transparently, it minimizes the need for constant clarification and it
allows your team to move forward with confidence.
(06:32):
I've been in situations where I'm like, let me make sure I understand what it is you want
me to do.
And a lot of times that's because the other person did not communicate clearly.
Sometimes it's because they send mixed messages and I want to be sure this is not one of those
times.
Number four, being earnest enhances emotional intelligence.
(06:53):
Intelligence.
Sometimes that good, earnestness involves being sincere and empathetic.
So it allows you to connect with others on a deeper, more emotional level because you are
expressing genuine care and concern.
And what's the leadership benefit?
A leader with high emotional intelligence understands and responds to the emotions other
(07:18):
team members.
And this, this falls to a supportive environment where employees feel valued.
It also helps in managing conflict and stress.
Number five, being earnest encourages accountability.
Now why is that good?
Well when you're earnest, you take responsibility for your actions and your decisions.
(07:40):
You acknowledge your role in both successes and your role in failures without deflecting
blame to anyone else.
That's the leadership benefit.
Leaders who take accountability inspire their teams to do the same.
So when you own up to your mistakes and you are transparent about the steps you're taking
to improve, you create a culture of responsibility and continuous growth.
(08:08):
Number six, being earnest strengthens relationships.
Now why is that good?
People appreciate sincerity.
People gravitate toward those who are earnest in their interactions.
Being earnest helps to build meaningful, positive relationships where both parties feel respected
(08:28):
and heard.
And what's the leadership benefit?
Well, as a leader, building strong relationships with your team members leads to better collaboration,
stronger loyalty and a more supportive work culture.
When people feel genuinely cared for and respected, they're more likely to go the extra mile.
(08:52):
Number seven, being earnest sets a positive example.
Now why is that good?
As an earnest leader, you serve as a role model for your team.
By demonstrating sincerity and honesty in all your dealings, you set the standard for how
people should communicate and behave in the workplace.
(09:12):
And what's the leadership benefit?
Setting a positive example for your team cultivates a healthy, respectful work culture.
Team members are more likely to embody the same qualities leading to a more unified, productive
and ethical team.
(09:33):
And finally, number eight, being earnest increases emotional resilience.
Now why is that good?
Well, being earnest allows you to embrace vulnerability and to face challenges openly.
And by being straightforward about difficulties, you're better able to cope with adversity.
(09:53):
And what's the leadership benefit?
As a leader, emotional resilience is crucial for navigating tough situations.
As an earnest leader that shows that it's okay to face challenges head on and that setbacks
or opportunities for growth, not failure, you are demonstrating a mindset that helps
(10:16):
the team stay not only motivated but adaptable.
So as you can see, being earnest, it's not just about being honest.
It's about being genuine, transparent and emotionally intelligent in your interactions.
As a leader, if you can be earnest, it will help you build trust, communicate effectively,
(10:40):
foster accountability and strengthen relationships.
It also sets a positive example for your team and it boosts emotional resilience and all
of these contribute to a healthier, more productive work environment.
Now in leadership, sincerity and authenticity go a long way to creating an environment where
(11:05):
everyone feels valued, motivated and committed to the shared goals of the organization.
So today I've listed eight reasons, eight benefits of being earnest in leadership, why
it's good and what the consequent leadership benefit is for you.
(11:28):
And the funny thing is all we're really talking about is being real, be sincere, be genuine,
be straightforward, honest, authentic in your dealings and transparent.
Don't make people have to guess and figure out, does she really mean what she's saying?
Is this a passive aggressive statement or is she being straightforward?
(11:50):
Is there a hidden agenda here?
Something doesn't sound quite right, maybe I need to get clarification.
When we lead that way, it just creates confusion.
It creates insecurity among the people that we're working with because they don't really
know how to take what we say or what to do with it.
(12:11):
So focus on being earnest, sincere, genuine, straightforward, honest, authentic, transparent,
both in your communication and in your actions.
And then watch what happens, watch the benefit of setting that standard and in the workplace.
(12:35):
Watch how other people began to focus on being earnest as well because of the example that
you have set.
I hope you give it a try.
And hey, let's do this again next week.
It is my prayer that this podcast inspired you, blessed you, or made you think.
(12:56):
If so, please share it with a friend, subscribe, and please leave a review.
Hey, I want to connect with you.
If you are a Christian woman who leads and you are interested in one of my Leadership Boot
(13:16):
camps for Women in Ministry, this is a four week workshop.
Or becoming part of a Kairos Cohort, your long group coaching.
Send me a DM or an email for more information.
We'll talk soon.
(upbeat music)
(upbeat music)
(upbeat music)
(13:37):
(upbeat music)
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