What is Authentic Leadership?

Studies have found that employee perceptions of authentic leadership are highly correlated with job satisfaction, including organisational commitment and work happiness. Furthermore, there is a positive relationship between authentic leadership and employee performance.

In this text, you will learn about the importance of authentic leadership and how it can positively impact employee perceptions, job satisfaction, organisational commitment, and work happiness.

Understanding Authentic Leadership

Authentic leadership is a powerful force that strengthens by staying true to oneself. It involves navigating the unpredictable waters of leadership with honesty, shunning self-deception and embracing self-awareness. This approach transforms leaders and creates deep connections with those they lead.

Authentic leadership is about acknowledging strengths and vulnerabilities, allowing honesty to become a powerful catalyst for trust. Authentic leaders build strong bonds with their teams by embracing their narratives, values, and principles, fostering an environment of openness and integrity.

Individual differences play a crucial role in shaping each leader’s unique style. Personal history and defining moments blend to create a one-of-a-kind leadership melody. Life triggers become the compass that guides authentic leaders toward their true north.

Authentic leadership is an alchemical process transforms life experiences into a leadership goldmine. It’s not just a style but a revelation.

What do authentic leaders possess?

Authentic leaders possess a unique blend of qualities and characteristics that set them apart in leadership. These attributes combine to create a distinctive and compelling leadership style that resonates with those they lead.

Some key traits that authentic leaders typically possess include:

Self-Awareness: Authentic leaders have a deep understanding of themselves, including their strengths, weaknesses, values, and beliefs. This self-awareness forms the foundation of their leadership approach, guiding their decisions and interactions.

Transparency: Authentic leaders are open and honest in their communication. They are willing to share their thoughts, feelings, and vulnerabilities with their team, creating an atmosphere of trust and authenticity.

Consistency: Authentic leaders are consistent in their actions and behaviours. They walk the talk and adhere to their values, even in challenging situations.

Empathy: These leaders demonstrate a genuine concern for the well-being of their team members. They are attuned to the emotions and needs of others, and they actively listen and provide support.

Courage: Authentic leaders are fearless in taking risks or standing up for their convictions, even when faced with opposition. They dare to make difficult decisions and challenge the status quo.

Inclusivity: Authentic leaders value diverse perspectives and actively seek input from their team members. They create an inclusive environment where everyone’s voice is heard and respected.

Ethical Behaviour: Ethics and integrity are central to authentic leadership. These leaders prioritise doing what is proper and ethical, even when it takes a lot of work.

Positive Influence: Authentic leaders inspire and motivate others through passion, enthusiasm, and optimism. Their positive attitude can be contagious, uplifting the entire team.

Adaptability: Authentic leaders are open to change and are willing to adapt their approach based on new information or circumstances. They are flexible but relatively agile in their leadership style.

Long-Term Perspective: Authentic leaders focus on long-term goals and sustainable outcomes. They are not solely driven by short-term gains but strive for lasting impact.

Resilience: Authentic leaders show resilience in the face of challenges and setbacks. They bounce back from adversity and use it as an opportunity for growth and learning.

Servant Leadership: Authentic leaders often embody the principles of servant leadership, where they prioritise the needs of their team members and work to support their growth and development.

These traits collectively create a charismatic and impactful leadership style that resonates with others and fosters a positive and productive work environment.

Characteristics of the Authentic Leader

Self Awareness

Understanding yourself deeply, including your nature, is known as self-awareness. This includes knowing your strengths and weaknesses, which can unlock your ability to comprehend and facilitate natural behaviour change.

Relational Transparency

Relational transparency involves being open and truthful in relationships, a crucial aspect of authentic leadership. Self-disclosure, or sharing personal information such as thoughts, dreams, fears, and goals, is a meaningful way to build trust and strengthen relationships.

Balanced Processing

Balanced processing refers to creating an open and engaging environment and seeking different perspectives, especially those that challenge your own. This involves objectively analysing the perspectives of others without any distortions, denials, or exaggerations.

Strong Moral Code

Lastly, a moral perspective is crucial for grounding leaders in morality and ethical behaviour. This means that their values and everyday actions should align, as their daily actions reflect their values.