What is Authentic leadership? Theory, Examples and Books

The great leaders are not the strongest, they are the ones who are honest about their weaknesses.

What is Authentic leadership?

Unquestionably, Many different definitions of this leadership style are floating around, and as the term, authentic itself suggests, the quality of being real or true. Besides, According to our research and understanding, it is a style of leadership in which leaders encourages open sharing of information among their followers, which promotes both individual and collective growth.

Who is an authentic leader?

Firstly, Self-actualized people who are conscious of their abilities, limits, and emotions are authentic leaders. So, They reveal their true selves to their followers. Although, being an authentic leader, they do not act one way in private and another in public, and they do not hide their faults or flaws.

Leader’s Tip
Embrace self-reflection: To lead authentically, cultivate self-awareness, understand your values, strengths, and flaws.

Authentic leadership style

This leadership style has been around since the 1960s, but Bill George’s book Authentic Leadership catapulted it into the spotlight in 2003. Authentic leadership, according to the experts, is about being yourself while also making room for others. It has a healthy dosage of common sense as well as some ethics for good measure.

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Authentic leadership Theory

In today’s society, this theory is a developing notion. Further, This theory highlights the need for a fair connection between a leader and his subordinates in validating and strengthening a leader’s position. In addition to this, The ethical foundation of this type of leadership approach is always robust.

Characteristics of an authentic leader

1. Self-aware
2. Active listener
3. Develop long term goals
4. Stewardship
5. Lastly, Empathetic

How to lead with authenticity?

Leading with authenticity requires following possessions

1. First, One must be self-aware and genuine
2. Must be mission-driven and focused on result
3. Form emotional connect with the followers
4. display a positive and an ethical behaviour
5. Lastly, Actively solicit feedback

Authentic leadership coaching

Here are some valuable programmes that would enrich your skills:

1. Leadership coaching by Andrea Beaulieu
2. Leadership coaching by Crosstie solutions
3. HBS authentic leadership course that is Authentic leader development course by Harvard Business School

Leader’s Tip
Encourage open communication: Encourage honest and transparent communication, active listening, and trust building with your team.

5 Authentic Leadership Examples

Here are some examples of leaders and organizations that adopted this style of leadership

1. Warren Buffet– Warren Buffet is one of the most well-known instances of authentic modern-day leadership. Moreover, He is regarded as someone who has amassed fortune without resorting to dishonest or immoral means. Furthermore, He has a well-deserved reputation for developing the Berkshire Hathaway business on the basis of ethics and honesty.
2. Microsoft- Beyond technology, the company has established a “first responder attitude” to assist and support those on the front lines in overcoming the hurdles posed by the epidemic. This solution not only facilitates seamless collaboration and real-time communication among teams, even when they are physically dispersed, but it also serves as a prime example of how intelligent technology can revolutionize the way individuals function.
3. Twitter– For the social media juggernaut, which has long been renowned for its flexible work practises, the outbreak provided an opportunity to evaluate “business as usual” and in addition to this set new norms encouraging how people work today and acclimatizing to the future of work in the years to come.
4. Jacinda Ardern– New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern stands out as a truly authentic leader within the Covid pandemic government response. Thus, The virus was successfully contained in the island country she controls. Ardern also displayed empathy throughout her tenure as Prime Minister.
5. Arne Sorenson-Former CEO of Marriott- As the globe was seized by the epidemic in March 2020 lowered his and senior executives of the hotel chain. Sorenson didn’t just send sympathies to his followers rather, he went down in the trenches with them and demonstrated his concern by foregoing his own compensation that year. Thus, This act was a fantastic illustration of the compassion component of this type of leadership.

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5 Authentic Leadership Books

Here are some Authentic leadership books

1. Authentic Leadership (HBR Emotional Intelligence Series) by Harvard Business. Review
2. Authentic Leadership: Rediscovering the Secrets to Creating Lasting Value by Bill George 
3. The Power of Authentic Leadership: Activating the 13 Keys to Achieving Prosperity Through Authenticity by Jeff Davis
4. Authentic leadership by Bas Blekkingh
5. Awaken Your Authentic Leadership: Lead with Inner Clarity and Purpose by Tana L Heminsley

5 Advantages & Disadvantages of Authentic Leadership

Here are five advantages:

1. Firstly, it helps build positive and rewarding relationships
2. Secondly, ethical and moral standards are high
3. Thirdly, helpful in refining the practical and theoretical explanations
4. Fourthly, Build a cultureof openness and trust
5. And lastly, Increases productivity

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Here are five disadvantages:

1. can cause contradicting objectives within an organization
2. leadership style can take years to develop
3. this leadership model is not yet fully developed and is lacking in some key areas
4. difficult to build trust
5. lack of leadership development

5 best leadership quotes

Here are some leadership lessons to enhance your moral:

1. There is always an Inner Game being played in your mind no matter what outer game you are playing. Generally, How aware you are of this game can make the difference between success and failure in the outer game.” Tim Gallwey
2. “Authentic leaders do not compromise their values, but rather use those situations to strengthen their values“. Peter G. Northouse
3. The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires.”
   William Arthur Ward
4. Leadership is not about titles, positions or flowcharts. It is about one life influencing another.”
   John Maxwell
5. Leadership is a series of behaviours rather than a role for heroes.” Margaret Wheatley

FAQs

Key Takeaways

• Being genuine to oneself, leading with integrity, and matching actions with principles are key takeaways in authentic leadership.
• It encourages open and honest communication, trust, and a positive work atmosphere.
• Through their real and transparent approach, authentic leaders inspire and motivate others, creating employee engagement and organisational success.