Day 10: Challenges of Authentic Leadership in a Self-Centric World

The most difficult task related to leadership is to effectively manage down to inspire subordinate team members while ensuring senior leaders are in the loop. As a result, many in leadership positions choose to look at the political implications of their decisions or focus more energy on how decisions will affect them and their career projection. Authentic leaders, however, are committed to do what’s right because it's the right thing to do, and prioritize the well-being of others above one's own interests. As a result, authentic leadership is one of the most challenging leadership postures in today’s self-focused society.

As we continue our exploration of authentic leadership, it's important to understand the unique challenges that this leadership posture presents in today's me-oriented society. While authentic leadership holds tremendous power and potential for positive impact, it is also difficult to embrace and practice consistently.? As a result, it’s often the road less traveled in leadership execution.? However, the lesson from Proverbs clearly signifies that although the Proverbs 31 woman took care of self and home, as a leader, she put the needs of others before her personal desires and self-interest.

The Difficulty of Authentic Leadership

Authentic leadership is challenging primarily for the following reasons:

1.???? Authentic leadership demands a level of integrity and ethical conduct that goes beyond mere compliance with rules and regulations. Leaders must consistently prioritize doing what is right, even when it may not be in their immediate self-interest. This commitment to ethical behavior can be difficult to uphold in environments where success is often measured by individual achievements or material gains, leading some to compromise their values for personal gain.

2.???? Authentic leadership requires leaders to operate without personal or hidden agendas. Leaders must act with transparency, sincerity, and humility, placing the needs of the greater good above their own ego or ambition. In a culture that often glorifies individual success and encourages self-promotion, this level of selflessness can be challenging to maintain, and even harder for others to understand.

3.???? Authentic leaders must often challenge the status quo to advocate for positive change, even if it means facing resistance or backlash. This willingness to disrupt the norm and push for progress can be met with opposition from those who are invested in maintaining the status quo or preserving their own power and privilege. Unfortunately, the opposition can also come from senior leaders.

4.???? Authentic leaders don't compromise.? Today’s leaders often struggle with pressure to success at all costs. Unfortunately, many give in to it. This is one of the reasons that 85% of workers are unhappy in their work environment. Getting to the next level or protecting spheres of influence often become more important than having team members’ backs. Authentic leaders stand on what they know, while being strategic on how issues are addressed.

Why Authentic Leadership is Not Popular

Authentic leadership has been criticized for being idealistic, impractical, and less effective. The traits and values inherent in authentic leadership ( i.e. integrity, honesty, and a commitment to serving others) have been deemed as weaknesses rather than strengths, leading some leaders to shy away from embracing this leadership posture.?

The problem with this analysis is that it's one-sided.? It’s generally assessed from the perspective of individuals whose values are more aligned with self-interest rather than for the good of those they lead or by individuals who don’t fully understand the foundation of authenticity. Truly authentic leaders understand and fully embrace their God-centered strength as defined as defined in several passages of scripture, to include in Proverbs 31.? These leaders are not pushovers, people pleasers, doormats, vulnerable, ineffective, nor overly emotional. What some do not understand is that the key to the success of true authentic leadership is the source of ultimate strength.

These leaders can stand firm in bold authority because they are committed to stand on God's instructions. As a result, these leaders consistently prove they are wise, intelligent, proficient, hold workers accountable, are fiscally astute, and are knowledgeable on all that is within their leadership purview. In other words, they know their stuff, while they are yet compassionate and responsive to the needs of those they lead. They also know that when they align with God's plan, they have no need to be concerned about advancement. They have assurance that they will achieve their heartfelt goals.?Embracing authentic leadership does not undermine their professional trajectory; it enhances the foundation for elevation.

When executed in full alignment with the Proverbs 31 lessons, authentic leadership is a powerful force for positive change, team member growth, and organizational success. By leading with authenticity and integrity, you can make a meaningful difference in your organizations, communities, churches, and beyond, leaving a lasting legacy of positive impact and transformation.

Exercise: ?Conduct a self-assessment of your leadership behaviors, assessing where you excel and where you need improvement. By now you should have an accountability partner. Ask for their feedback. Reflect on the feedback receive, and develop a plan of action for implementing changes or improvements.? If you are confused on what actions are needed, get help.? You can also connect to my intense program for women of faith in leadership, “The Authenticity Leadership Blueprint”. It can help walk you through the process of developing a strong foundation to unleash your Proverbs 31 leader.

Tomorrow, we’ll begin the journey of addressing leadership skills that are critical for long-term success, beginning with dealing with change and the fear it produces in the team environment.? Chat with you then??.

Dr. Bre

?