An authentic leader is an effective, respected and progressive leader
Kevin Jackson, MBA, NACD.DC
Chief Executive Officer, Independent Director, Consultant, and Influencer
To the aspiring executive who is trying to be something that you are not, cut it out! Despite what you may see, feel or hear, my position is that the world recognizes and responds favorably to authenticity.
If this is true Kevin, why are so many "leaders" buttoned up, amazingly private, appearing to never make a mistake or be struggling with anything? Why don't they offer up their opinions on real life stuff (instead of just telling us what to do at work or how to do it)? My answer is... I don't know.
What I can tell you is that it takes courage and vulnerability to be real. Most leaders are very courageous (you can tell by their lion's roar), but being vulnerable as a leader is very tough (and this you can tell by their silence on things that really matter).
Many years ago, I decided that my vulnerability as a leader could help change the world. My insecurities, thoughts, struggles, gratefulness for life, love for my family and love for my team all mattered. My relationships with people from all over the world got deeper. My influence grew because I opened up a section of my life that was always tucked away, hidden from those who didn't know me well. What I discovered is that people didn't really want to connect with Kevin the Executive (unless they were trying to sell me something), they wanted to connect with Kevin, the real person, who happened to be an Executive.
When this transpired for me, I found myself getting more things done (with people from diverse backgrounds and through people from all walks of life). It became an infectious lifestyle of positivity and I found myself wanting to share this new found freedom with all leaders and potential leaders (from Kindergarten to the C-Suite).
It's okay to be yourself (even though you will face criticism for being so). You cannot be an authentic leader without being an authentic person. And don't fool yourself, those that follow you (based on either influence or authority) will recognize where you are in this journey. Be courageous. Be effective. Be infectious. Be kind. Be humble. Be intentional. Be progressive. Be different. Be real.
That's leadership!
Kevin D. Jackson - The Positivity Guru
https://thepositivityguru.com/
Aspiring Cybersecurity Professional | Web Developer | CompTIA A+ Candidate
4 年I really love this Kevin Jackson !! So true!
Current - MBA Candidate @ UNA Bachelor's of Business Administration and Management.
4 年Wow, what an amazing article!!!??
Award winning business mentor, Finance consultant, Venture Capital 4 Africa mentor, TEF mentor, Co- author, AWEC alumni, UN FAO- IAFN women SME accelerator program alumni, Founder and CEO of Mooto farms limited
4 年I am very real. I call a sped a sped. However, I always embed humanity in my actions..This has built me and has allowed my leadership to be unique and my followers have found me to be a good leader, who is approachable and willing to listern when they speak and I explain my actions to enable them see my vision and they support me all the way..
Nonprofit & For Profit Business Expert, Expert Federal Grant Reviewer & Grant Management. DBE| MBE| WBE| SBE| SBR| Certified: MD, GA
5 年This was amazing article. Thank you Kevin for reminding me to say true to self. Being vulnerable and authentic should bee a part of every leaders core values.