What Is Authentic Leadership?

 

It continues to surprise me how many leaders attempt to be one way at work, while their "true" personality emerges outside of work. Once a CEO said to me, "Leadership is acting."  I thought that was a very interesting perspective and asked, "how is that working for you?"  He said, he knew no other way that effectively got him through his day.  I wondered what his associates would say.  It should not surprise us when these same leaders seem shocked or confused when their employees don't trust them, don't like them, and can't really wait to work elsewhere.

Authenticity has been explored throughout history, from Greek philosophers to the work of Shakespeare ("To thy own self be true." - Polonius, Hamlet). Authentic leadership has been explored as part of modern management science, but found its highest levels of acceptance since Bill George's 2003 book, Authentic Leadership, as well as his 2007 book, True North. 

In True North, his premise is "just as a compass points toward a magnetic field, your True North pulls you toward the purpose of your leadership.  When you follow your internal compass, your leadership will be authentic, and people will naturally want to associate with you.  Although others may guide or influence you, your truth is derived from your life story and only you can determine what it should be."

While different theorists have different slants on the concept, most agree that:

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 values.

First they understand their values and what are the most important to them. Next, they communicate these values clearly and without an attitude. They walk the talk and do so without flinching or compromising.

4. Authentic leaders lead with their heart, not just their minds.

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.

5. 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. Just as George did as CEO of Medtronic, leaders realize that to nurture individuals and to nurture a company requires hard work and patience, but the approach pays large dividends over time.

What do you think of these five conclusions? How would you begin to break through your behaviors and intentions to find your True North, your authentic self?  We would love to hear from you with comments or questions.  Send me a note via email at brad@aperiocoaching.net or on Twitter @bparcells.

In Latin, Aperio means to reveal, uncover, to make clear.  Coaching is a powerful process that enables the client to reveal and illuminate their authentic style via a sharp focus on who they are at their core.