Does it matter if you’re viewed as an authentic leader? The answer is a resounding yes!
Studies show that leaders that are viewed as authentic inspire trust and loyalty, they build strong and lasting relationships, and their team members strive to be higher performers with a desire to achieve team goals.
Bill George, author, former CEO at Medtronic, and Senior Fellow at Harvard Business School says “authentic leaders are driven by a moral and ethical purpose and never lose sight of their core values and principles. They lead with their hearts, cultivate long-term relationships and demonstrate excellence through self-discipline”.
In his book Authentic Leadership, Mr. George defines 5 dimensions of leadership that he feels true leaders must develop. Excerpts include:
1. Understanding your purpose
To find your purpose you must first understand yourself, your passions and your motivations. You may need to experience several organizations before you find the right fit.
2. Practicing solid values
Values are shaped by personal beliefs, developed through study, introspection,
consultation, and a lifetime of experience with integrity being most crucial.
3. Leading with heart
Engaging the hearts of your employees provides a competitive advantage. When employees believe their work has purpose their results will surpass those that don’t.
4. Establishing enduring relationships
An effective leader does more than create strategies, structure and processes. Having an open relationship builds trust and commitment which leads to success and higher levels of performance.
5. Demonstrating self-discipline
Without self-discipline you cannot gain the respect of your followers. Values must be demonstrated through consistent actions. If we fall short, we must admit our mistakes.
In summary, authentic leaders:
Do you view yourself as an authentic leader? What could you change?
Sincerely,Studies show that leaders that are viewed as authentic inspire trust and loyalty, they build strong and lasting relationships, and their team members strive to be higher performers with a desire to achieve team goals.
Bill George, author, former CEO at Medtronic, and Senior Fellow at Harvard Business School says “authentic leaders are driven by a moral and ethical purpose and never lose sight of their core values and principles. They lead with their hearts, cultivate long-term relationships and demonstrate excellence through self-discipline”.
In his book Authentic Leadership, Mr. George defines 5 dimensions of leadership that he feels true leaders must develop. Excerpts include:
1. Understanding your purpose
To find your purpose you must first understand yourself, your passions and your motivations. You may need to experience several organizations before you find the right fit.
2. Practicing solid values
Values are shaped by personal beliefs, developed through study, introspection,
consultation, and a lifetime of experience with integrity being most crucial.
3. Leading with heart
Engaging the hearts of your employees provides a competitive advantage. When employees believe their work has purpose their results will surpass those that don’t.
4. Establishing enduring relationships
An effective leader does more than create strategies, structure and processes. Having an open relationship builds trust and commitment which leads to success and higher levels of performance.
5. Demonstrating self-discipline
Without self-discipline you cannot gain the respect of your followers. Values must be demonstrated through consistent actions. If we fall short, we must admit our mistakes.
In summary, authentic leaders:
- understand the importance of relationships
- make others feel empowered and they acknowledge the value others provide
- utilize their magic dust™ (and that of others) and blend passion and compassion with critical thinking
Do you view yourself as an authentic leader? What could you change?
Mike and Jan