|
Recently, I have been thinking about authentic leadership. I was reminded that authentic leaders are authentic people first. You probably are asking "how do I define authenticity." The simple answer is "I know it when I see it and I don't see it often."
Here is a list of commonly used descriptors: genuine, sincere, having integrity, self-aware, with character, "the real deal."
Authenticity is largely defined by what other people see in you. There needs to be transparency to allow others to see your core and then evaluate your actions for consistency. Transparency requires vulnerability (not something that any of us are comfortable with) and a balance between privacy and public scrutiny.
Authenticity is not something we do. It comes from somewhere inside us. . Authenticity is an intimate expression of who we are. It's our being in action.
I rarely meet people who admit 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 people 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.
"Pushing the Edge" of Your Thinking
-
Which of your friends or colleagues would you call authentic?
-
What makes them stand out?
-
How do others see you?
-
How do we instill authenticity in our children?
I welcome you comments. Feel free to share this mailing with friends and colleagues.
|
