Being a leader isn't about how many people you lead. It’s about how you plan on nurturing your team as you help them reach each project’s goal. Unlike other forms of leadership, authentic leadership is built on character
Most of the time, leaders are simply "acting" as they establish another personality in comparison to their day to day lives. But authentic leadership, which comes directly from ancient Greek philosophy, stems from virtues such as fortitude, temperance, justice and prudence.
In order for a person to become an authentic leader, they need to have a flexible style — one that accommodates each teammate. Not only that, but they must be able to take on multiple roles, as they are a mentor and coach. Regardless of the situation, a true authentic leader will put their authenticity above all else and keep communication as real as possible.
The authentic leader has many qualities, but we will discuss the four most important below.
1. Purpose
Some tend to get confused about what really makes a great leader and what role they should have. A true, authentic leader will know that his/her true purpose is to guide people in a professional manner while still keeping communication genuine and focused on results. A leader needs to know which paths to use in order to connect with their team while still guiding them to reach their goals.
I recently asked a client what his purpose was only to find he was caught off guard because he had never really explored the question. After working with him, we were able to identify his true purpose. Leaders who have clarity in their purpose usually outperform their peers who don't.
2. Solid Values
Values will often differ from leader to leader, but an authentic leader should be genuine, truthful, focused on results, and determined to acquire success while also allowing their team to grow and evolve.
The authentic leader wants the best outcome, but they will never strive for it at the cost of hindering their team. Great leaders live out their values every day — in and out of the office. An authentic leader’s ethics should never be questionable.
3. Self-Discipline
A true, authentic leader will always have their own sense of self-discipline. They will focus on what really matters for each task and be sensitive to the needs of others. However, they will also be very focused and professional. All authentic leaders know that in order to inspire others, they must be disciplined; otherwise, they won't succeed.
During my time as a young leader serving in the U.S. Army, I was self-disciplined only because I was trying so hard to fit in with my team. But I lost sight of my purpose and what was important. As a leader, you can't afford to lose focus because the consequences can be dire. In my case, it could have cost someone their life.
4. Passion
The final quality that makes authentic leaders stand out is their connection to their business as a whole. Leading with your heart doesn’t make you vulnerable. It will inspire employees and team members, leading them to be more productive and focused on their work. If you want to be an authentic leader, you don’t need the utmost authority. You just need a good heart and a great approach.
I once had a client whose employee was in a car accident. She closed the business for half a day and took all her employees to visit their teammate. An action like this means the world to that injured employee. My client embodied what it means to lead with heart.
Authenticity is the gold standard of leadership, but always keep in mind that being authentic doesn’t necessarily mean you have to lose your professionalism. As long as you maintain a professional approach while still bringing your own personality to the table, you will have what it takes to become an amazing leader. Be a true, authentic leader and you avoid hindering your personal growth and impact in the long run.
