Believe it or not, I would not be far from saying the truth if I said as familiar as the word “authenticity” is, it is not everyone that truly understands what it really means.
Authentic leadership is one of the strategies that prioritise building strong relationships more than anything else. It is also one of the powerful approaches that can have a profound impact on individuals, teams, and/or organisations. It’s about fostering a positive work culture and promoting personal and professional growth. Authentic leaders are not many out there. They are sort after by those who understand the benefits of having them around any time, day and anywhere.
Let us look at some of the features of authentic leadership that can help to make you stand out in life.
1) Self-awareness:
Understanding who you are, your strengths, and weaknesses, and how your emotions play out are key. Knowing your purpose on this planet, your values, strengths… will go a long way to positioning you as an authentic leader.
For instance, I have discovered the leader in me as I am always being called upon to take on certain leadership positions in most of the places I find myself, although, I would usually end up turning such offers down. One way or another, I know that most people around me would secretly or openly follow me to do most of the things they see me do or the attires I put on. They will also agree with my thoughts on certain issues even though I will always wonder why they’d prefer not to lend their views as well.
Again, in my generation, I am called to address major developmental, humanitarian and real-life issues others would naturally shy away from. Above all, I am meant to take the centre stage in the media, public relations and advertising professions. Moreover, as someone who has worked with different bosses or chief executives for a decade and a half, I surely understand the way they act and their reasons, as well as the best values, norms, etc, that can bring about leadership success. It is a known saying that “A blind man cannot lead another.” You cannot give what you don’t have. Most importantly, for authentic leaders, it goes beyond self-awareness to acceptance and then self-actualisation. I will dedicate another edition to say more about the issue of self-awareness in the coming weeks.
2) Being Vulnerable:
This has to do with being willing to share your fears, doubts, and mistakes to build trust. You are to lead from a place of vulnerability, not from a place of “I am the boss and all-powerful,” or from a place of strength. Authentic leaders will stoop to conquer. They are vulnerable enough to admit to their mistakes and poor management skills, especially, when they made plans that didn’t turn out well. Being vulnerable means you can recognise when your strength fails you and will not hesitate to call for help. You do not engage in blame game. You face your fears and conquer them.
3) Integrity:
This refers to consistently acting in alignment with your values and principles. Authentic leadership is a leadership approach that emphasises sincerity, trustworthiness, and dependability. It means your ‘Ye’ and ‘Nay’ should be consistent and your words can be counted upon.
4) Transparency:
As an authentic leader, you should be transparent enough to carry everyone along in your journeys. Be ready to openly communicate your visions, goals, and expectations with those you’re working with. Be true to yourself and your values.
5) Empathy and Selflessness:
This has to do with understanding and relating to issues through the perspectives and emotions of others and not yours alone at all times. One of the kindergarten strategies that work like magic for leaders is being compassionate and selfless, not minding that some may take undue liberty with you as a result. You should be ready to overlook certain issues and give your best.
6) Humility:
As a leader, one of the attributes that stands out is being able to recognise your limitations and seeking help when due, irrespective of where the help is going to come from. Meaning, that you should be ready to unlearn and relearn from anyone. Also, acknowledging the contributions of others is key to authentic leadership.
7) Authentic Communication:
Speak truthfully with everyone that is connected with you and the organisation and candidly also, without entertaining any air of superiority or pretence. As an authentic leader, you should never be caught up in indulging in or condoning favouritism, ethnic bias or speaking jargon. Ensure you speak clearly at all times while carrying everyone around you along.
8) Emotional intelligence:
As an authentic leader, you are meant to manage your emotion, not allowing it to come in-between your work or relationships with others as well as managing those of your team members. You have to know when to draw the line on certain issues, especially when it has to do with your work and relationship with others, whether they are your superiors, subordinates, colleagues and/or business partners.
9) Accountability:
You should be accountable enough to take ownership of your actions and decisions from time to time, irrespective of the outcomes. Don’t engage in ‘blame game.’ Be ready to take on responsibilities as they come to you with all joy.
10) Consistency:
The need to demonstrate consistency in all you do and say, alongside focusing on your goals and representing the values that define you cannot be overemphasised.
In conclusion, successful leadership hinges on these features and more, and by being genuine, transparent, and empathetic, you create an environment where people around you feel truly valued, supported, and empowered to succeed. You will also foster a culture of trust, collaboration, and growth while inspiring yourself, your team members, or associates to achieve great things. As a leader, there are no mincing words to say you can never go wrong in practising these qualities as I assure you, they’d ALWAYS guarantee you success in your leadership journey.
I believe you find this piece valuable, one way or another, so, feel free to reach out with your thoughts while expecting you to continuously be your authentic self.
