What is authentic leadership?
Authentic leadership emerges as a response to a constantly evolving organizational environment, demanding from leaders a more personal and authentic approach to leadership. Today, it is not only about meeting strictly organizational goals and objectives, but also about being involved in the self-development and development of others. Such leadership is based on concepts dating back to ancient Greece, where authenticity was seen as a state of self-knowledge and personal control. An authentic leader reflects the values of the organization outwardly and is committed to self-development, both personal and team.
What are the characteristics of an authentic leader?
Authentic leaders are characterized by being self-aware and genuine, they are not afraid to show themselves as they are.
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Self-awareness: They know their strengths and are aware of their limitations. They do not need to have all the answers, but are willing to build teams that can collectively overcome challenges.
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Emotional transparency: They do not hide their emotions or vulnerabilities. Their emotional openness allows them to genuinely connect with team members.
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Focus on purpose: They work toward a common purpose above personal goals, allowing them to make decisions that promote the common good.
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Direct communication: They communicate effectively and foster a culture of open, two-way feedback.
How can I become an authentic leader?
Becoming an authentic leader involves a deep journey toward self-discovery and authenticity.
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Know yourself: Explore who you really are and be transparent about your feelings, thoughts and goals.
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Be fair: Value and learn from multiple perspectives, always promoting the common good above all else.
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Practice ethics: Adopt a personal code of ethics to guide your actions; you must not compromise your principles.
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Distribute power appropriately: Use and distribute power in a way that holds each team member accountable, promoting an environment of shared value.
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Hone your communication skills: Listening more than you talk can transform you into a more effective communicator, thereby improving organizational culture.
What are the fundamental principles of an authentic leader?
There are several principles that underpin authentic leadership that every individual should consider in their development:
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Unwavering Ethics: The authentic leader does not compromise his or her actions between right and wrong. A strong code of ethics constantly guides their decisions and forces the right actions.
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Power management: They understand that true leadership lies in distributing power wisely, promoting individual and collective responsibility in achieving common goals.
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Effective communication: Active listening and facilitating open, multi-directional feedback are key. They foster a culture of not just transmitting information, but of engaging in constructive dialogue.
Reflections and questions for the authentic future leader.
Self-reflection is critical to authentic development, asking yourself the following questions will help you move forward on your journey:
- What is it that truly defines you as a person?
- How do others perceive you and can you express that clearly?
- What do you excel at and how does that relate to what you want to achieve?
By answering these questions, you can focus on developing skills that will lead you toward more authentic leadership. We encourage you to use discussion tools to share your discoveries and grow together with your peers on this journey to authentic leadership.
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