1. Authentic leaders are self-aware and genuine.
Authentic leaders are self-actualized individuals who are
aware of their strengths, their limitations, and their emotions. They also show
their real selves to their followers. They do not act one way in private and
another in public; they don’t hide their mistakes or weaknesses out of fear of
looking weak. They also realize that being self-actualized is an endless
journey, never complete.
2. Authentic leaders are mission driven and focused on
results.
They are able to put the
mission and the goals of the organization ahead of their own self-interest.
They do the job in pursuit of results, not for their own power, money or ego.
3. Authentic leaders lead with their heart.
They are not afraid to show their emotions, their vulnerability
and to connect with their employees. This does not mean authentic leaders are
“soft.” In fact communicating in a direct manner is critical to successful
outcomes, but it’s done with empathy; directness without empathy is cruel.
4. Authentic leaders focus on the long-term.
A key tenet in Bill George’s model is the company leaders
are focused on long-term shareholder value, not in just beating quarterly
estimates.
(Kevin Crusoe May 12, 2013 )
By definition, this means that leadership and position are two
different things. Holding a title and a high rung on the company org chart
doesn’t mean you’re a leader. Even people without these things can exert
influence and thus leadership.
But leadership is more than influence. It certainly includes
influence, but that’s only part of the package. I believe leadership includes at
least five characteristics. I call these the five marks of authentic
leadership.
(Michael Hyatt July 15, 2019 )
Major components of
authentic leadership.
1. Self-Awareness (“Know Thyself”). A prerequisite
for being an authentic leader knows your own strengths, limitations, and
values. Knowing what you stand for and what you value is critical. Moreover,
self-awareness is needed in order to develop the other components of authentic
leadership.
2. Relational Transparency (“Be Genuine”). This involves
being honest and straightforward in dealing with others. An authentic leader
does not play games or have a hidden agenda. You know where you stand with an
authentic leader.
3. Balanced Processing (“Be Fair-Minded”). An effective
authentic leader solicits opposing viewpoints and considers all options before
choosing a course of action. There is no impulsive action or “hidden
agendas”—plans are well thought out and openly discussed.
4. Internalized Moral Perspective (“Do the
Right Thing”). An authentic leader has an ethical core. She or he knows
the right thing to do and is driven by a concern for ethics and fairness.
(Ronald
E Riggio Jan 22, 2014 )
CONCLUSION
Authentic leaders are
self-actualized individuals who are aware of their strengths, their
limitations, and their emotions. They also show their real selves to their
followers. They do not act one way in private and another in public; they don’t
hide their mistakes or weaknesses out of fear of looking weak.
REFERENCES
Kevin Crusoe May 12, 2013 . Available at; https://www.forbes.com/sites/kevinkruse/2013/05/12/what-is-authentic-leadership/#507945d2def7
Michael Hyatt July 15, 2019 .
Available at; https://michaelhyatt.com/the-five-marks-of-authentic-leadership/
Ronald
E Riggio Jan 22, 2014 . Available at; https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/cutting-edge-leadership/201401/what-is-authentic-leadership-do-you-have-it
