Authentic Leaders - Where are you?
There seems to be an endless amount of information written about leadership and what it means to be a leader.?
Leadership is often bestowed on you by title or position… but I got to thinking: is that really leadership??Aren't we all leaders in one area of our lives or another?
To lead implies that you must have followers. However, power given through title alone, in no way suggests people will follow.?
The reason being? People don’t follow a person as much as they follow a movement that they feel like they belong to; they embrace a vision that resonates deep within them. People choose to belong.
I like how Cornell University describes belonging. "Belonging is the feeling of security and support when there is a sense of acceptance, inclusion, and identity for a member of a certain group. It is when an individual can bring their authentic self to work."
Belonging requires authenticity.
An authentic leader is one that paints a clear picture for us, and shows us what might be. They give us a direction to move in and a shared goal to strive for.?
I believe that strong and authentic leaders do the following:
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In a system, it only takes the movement of one piece to start a chain reaction.?
Imagine the power of such a chain reaction when it’s started from a place of authenticity; a place that requires one to be real… a place of truth and a place of belonging.
I recall Sylvia Lafair PhD, CEO of Creative Energy Options Inc teaching “when one person is willing to be authentic, he or she gives space for others to risk telling their truth also.”
It seems to me like we’re in a time when people are confused about what it means to be a leader. Or even worse, those who may be willing and able to lead are sitting back, unwilling to take on the challenges of navigating an increasingly polarized communication environment.?
That said, I think that now, more than ever, we need authentic leaders in all walks of life.
AKA -- we need YOU, now!
Please share your leadership journey in the comments so that we can learn together about what makes for authentic leaders.
Remember: Soar, Don’t Settle!
Associate Dean @ University at Buffalo | Leadership Consulting/Mentorship | Former Dean | Innovator | Author | Tech for Social Good | Public Health |
3 个月Tom, thank you for this insightful post. I agree completely. Authenticity is the foundation for good leadership. It's essential (with all of the associated behaviors/traits tyou list) for creating the foundation of a psychologically safe, thriving, innovative workplace culture.
Physical Therapist at KEN-TON PHYSICAL THERAPY, PLLC
3 个月I believe having the ability to make others feel seen, heard and valued is the foundation of a good leader. Without this talent, be it innate or learned, a leader will be ineffective.
President @ Momentum and AI Consultant | Helping bring #chambersofcommerce and their members closer together | Businesses, follow at @Momentum - The Business Growth Agency | Chambers, follow at @Momentum for Chambers
3 个月With the array of directions people are pulled today, there must be a clear value in following someone, and it's up to the leader to define it. Could be vision, opportunity or answers, but it could be energy or a sense of belonging. But, people have to want to follow someone, and they do it because it fulfills something for them. True leaders understand that and, more importantly, respect it.
HR Solutions Designer, Developer & Entrepreneur
3 个月Being knowledgeable about why people follow the leaders they do vs. telling people what they need to 'be' to be a good leader proves positive for the leader and teams alike. Focus on the needs of the 'follower' and build your authentic leadership from there! Which, by the way, can and should include leveraging complementary skills on the leadership team.
Founder-Speaking of Strategy. Chief Excuse Obliterator. Engaging, high energy speaker. Business consultant, author, and media guest. I help businesses eliminate the excuses that hinder progress and profit.
3 个月I often ask the leaders I coach if people follow them because they have to or because they want to? Tom, your point is well made about all of us being leaders in one area of our lives or another. Leadership is about authenticity, emotional intelligence, vulnerability, and compassion, not titles. As far as motivation goes, I don't believe that's it is the leader's "job" to motivate others. It is the leader's responsibility to help build and nurture a culture where motivation, appreciation, and accountability are the norm and not the exception. It is incumbent on today's leaders to encourage and influence the next generation of leaders and role models. There are plenty of open seats at the table.