In Search of Authentic Leadership
In my 30+ years of consulting to business executives I have met many good leaders and a few great leaders. However, when I come across an "authentic leader", they really stand out. You probably are asking "how do I define an 'authentic leader'." The simple answer is "I know it when I see it and I don't see it often."
Here is a list of descriptors that come to mind:
genuine, consistent, sincere, honest, integrity, connection, presence,
empathetic, transparent, self-aware, commitment, courage, vulnerable,
character, "walk the walk," "the real deal."
Authenticity is largely defined by what other people see in you.
After 30 years of consulting, I've come to this belief. Leadership is not simply something we do. It comes from somewhere inside us. Authentic leadership is an intimate expression of who we are. It's our being in action.
We don't have to dig too deeply to find an ample supply of corporate hypocrisy that results from a disconnect between good intentions and actual follow-through. The proof is in the follow-through. That's where the level of leadership commitment and influence becomes, often painfully, evident.
I rarely meet leaders who admit readily that they have complete authenticity in all parts of their lives. It's a formidable goal, and most of us will spend our lifetime on the path to getting there. Authentic leaders work continuously to ensure that their public actions and private core are not at odds. Some make it look easy; but for most, it is hard work.
Many leadership experts, from Peter Drucker to Daniel Goleman, have spoken about the importance of self-awareness. Socrates said, "An unexamined life is not worth living." Of course, the hardest thing about examining one's life is getting started.
"Pushing the Edge" of Your Thinking
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I know more authentic people than authentic leaders. Is there something about a leader 's role and responsibility that causes authentic people to become less authentic leaders?
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Does gener have any relationship to authenticity? Are women more authentic leaders than men?
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Does your leadership arise from your character, the essence of who you are? Or, does it come only from your persona, the external personality you've created to cope with life circumstances?
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Do you colleagues see you as an authentic leader?
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Are you sure?
Click here to read Glenn's "take" on authenticity and politics
I welcome you comments. Feel free to share this mailing with friends and colleagues.
October 2008
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