Introducing: Authentic Leadership a Journey
As technology and globalisation shape the 21st century, the need for a new kind of business leader arises. Scholars have undertaken numerous studies to uncover great leaders’ definitive styles, characteristics, or personality traits. Still, a clear profile has yet to be produced. The leadership needed today is one of authenticity—one that requires a genuine passion for their purpose and consistency in their values and one that leads with their head and heart.
Authentic leadership is a concept rooted in genuine and honest leadership; it is not a replica of someone else. It is not rooted in any universal set of characteristics, traits, skills, or styles—it is unique to each person. Authentic leadership is about discovering your own path, being true to yourself, and developing yourself.
The need for authentic leadership has only grown in the 21st century. However, without understanding authentic leadership and how to achieve it, businesses and organisations will stagnate. This article provides the tools and insight to begin the journey towards authentic leadership. It will discuss the definition of authentic leadership, its importance, and the steps needed to develop it.
Why now?
Authentic leadership is a concept that has been around for a long time but has yet to be fully defined. Despite the lack of a precise definition, it is clear that the leadership needed today is one of authenticity, one that requires a genuine passion for their purpose and consistency in their values, and one that leads with their head and their heart.
The need for authentic leadership has only grown in the 21st century. People trust you when you are genuine and authentic, not a replica of someone else. Leadership emerges from your life story and journey, and discovering your authentic leadership requires a commitment to developing yourself.
There is a need for a new kind of business leader in the twenty-first century who is authentic and demonstrates a passion for their purpose, practices their values consistently, and leads with their hearts and heads. Without understanding what authentic leadership is and how to achieve it, businesses and organisations will stagnate.
Key Takeaways
- Authentic leadership is a big deal in the 21st century and is based on genuine relationships, trust, and leading with both head and heart.
- There is no universal trait or skill set for successful leaders; it is unique to each person and variable by context and environment. There are commonly associated traits and qualities.
- Authentic leaders are passionate about their purpose, consistently practice their values, and inspire others with their unique story.
- The benefits include increased trust, higher talent retention, better problem-solving abilities, and being a great role model.
- Developing authentic leadership requires self-discovery, commitment to personal development, seeking mentors, taking risks, and learning from mistakes.
- Practising self-awareness and staying true to your values are crucial for authentic leadership.
- It is an ongoing process, but its rewards significantly enhance a leader’s success and ability to serve their team effectively.
Authentic leadership past research
Leadership scholars have attempted to identify successful leaders’ definitive styles, characteristics, and personality traits but have yet to develop a clear profile. This has caused many to question the existence of a universal trait that all successful leaders possess. So there is not a clear understanding of what makes a successful leader.
The idea of a universal trait or skill set that all successful leaders must possess may be a bit of a myth. Instead, each leader must develop unique qualities and traits that allow them to navigate the complexities of their respective fields and organisations.
The research also suggests that successful leaders are passionate about their purpose and consistently practice their values. They lead with their hearts as well as their heads. Furthermore, leaders must be self-aware and have a commitment to developing themselves.
Leaders must be willing to take risks, make mistakes (to learn) and commit to self-development to achieve success. In the end, leadership is about finding and embracing your authentic self.
The Benefits of Authentic Leadership
Authentic leadership has been identified as an essential concept in the twenty-first century, as it is based on trust and genuine relationships. Authenticity requires leaders to be open and vulnerable, honest with their emotions, and lead with both their heads and hearts. In return, they will earn the trust of their followers and colleagues.
Authentic leaders also demonstrate a passion for their purpose and consistently practice their values. They are driven by their own set of convictions and beliefs and are not trying to be someone else. They dare to take risks and make mistakes, and they can inspire and motivate others with their unique story.
Authentic leaders are also more likely to attract and retain talent, as they are authentic and transparent in their communication and conduct. They can create a culture of trust where people feel safe to express their ideas and opinions. People are likelier to commit to an authentic leader’s mission because they know their leader is genuinely interested in their success.
Authentic leaders are also more likely to be successful. They are more likely to solve problems, develop creative solutions, and create relationships with those around them. In addition, they are open to new ideas and opinions and more likely to be approachable and relatable.
Authentic leaders are also great role models. Their passion, enthusiasm and commitment to their purpose are great examples to inspire others. They also have a good sense of self-awareness, which helps them recognise and learn from their mistakes. They can build trust and respect with their followers by taking responsibility for their actions.
Authentic leadership is a powerful tool, and it is something that needs to be cultivated and developed over time. However, leaders who can create the qualities of authentic leaders will find that their success is greatly enhanced.
Developing Authentic Leadership
The journey to authentic leadership requires a commitment to personal development. It is a process of self-discovery and uncovering your inner strengths and weaknesses. To achieve it, you must be willing to take risks, make mistakes and step out of your comfort zone.
The first step to developing authentic leadership is to seek mentors and coaches who can advise and guide the journey. It is important to find someone who is both knowledgeable and experienced in the field of leadership. This will provide invaluable insights into leadership and clarity when making decisions.
The next step is to take the time to reflect and learn. Learning from the experiences of others is essential in developing authentic leadership. This means reading the latest research, conversing with experts and observing successful leaders.
Developing your leadership skills also means taking risks and not being afraid of making mistakes. Leadership is not static and should evolve and shift as circumstances change. Therefore, you must be willing to make difficult decisions, take risks, and learn from your mistakes to truly become an effective leader.
Finally, practising self-awareness and staying true to your values is important. This means continually asking yourself whether your decisions and actions align with your values and beliefs. This will help you remain grounded and guide you to make decisions that will benefit you and your team and organisation.
Developing authentic leadership is an ongoing process requiring personal development commitment. It is a journey of self-discovery and trial and error. However, by seeking out mentors, taking the time to reflect and study, and remaining true to your values, you can develop the qualities of an authentic leader and lead with both head and heart.
Wrapping up
The search for authentic leadership is an ongoing journey for many. Still, it is incredibly rewarding for those who are committed to it. Authentic leadership is about being genuine and understanding, taking responsibility for one’s actions, and committing to developing and honing one’s leadership skills. In addition, authentic leadership involves taking risks and not being afraid to make mistakes, seeking mentors and coaches, reflecting on experiences and studying to further enhance one’s skills.
The benefits of authentic leadership are clear. Not only does it allow a leader to serve their team more effectively, but it also allows them to earn the trust of their followers. People naturally trust genuine and authentic leaders, as a leader’s unique experiences and life stories lead to their success. It is also about finding a balance between the head and the heart so that a leader can make balanced decisions that consider their team’s needs, their organisation’s ambition and their passions.
The research conducted by leadership scholars has yet to yield a definitive answer to the question of what makes a great leader. Still, it does show a need for a new kind of leader in the 21st century. Authentic leaders demonstrate a passion for their purpose, consistently practice their values and lead with their heads and hearts. Authentic leadership is not an easy path to take. Still, it is the most rewarding and the only way to discover one’s leadership potential.
The journey to authentic leadership is challenging but worth the effort. Anyone can achieve authentic leadership by developing one’s own leadership style, understanding their values, and allocating the resources necessary to progress. The search for authentic leadership begins with an inward journey of self-reflection and self-development, but the rewards are immense. Like this blog? Be sure to get in touch!
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