Bluepoint News

The Authentic Leader

Are you an authentic leader? I have asked this question of hundreds of managers and usually receive a response such as, “Most certainly, I pride myself on my authenticity.” I then ask “Would you rate the managers in your organization who are more senior than you as being as authentic?” Less than fifty percent respond in the affirmative. I then ask them to imagine a scenario in which I bring into the room all of the individuals in their organization who are more junior than they are and ask the same questions. They generally concede that this would result in a response nearer to fifty percent than they would like.

So what can we do to change this? My list is short: just four items, each — as far as I’m concerned — non-negotiable. If you want to be an authentic leader:

1. Live your values — your principles should be evident in everything you do.
2. Don’t equivocate – make your yes mean yes, and your no mean no.
3. Take full accountability for your life — be comfortable saying “I am responsible.”
4. If you say it, do it — follow through, even on the small things.

For more on what it takes to be an authentic leader, click here to watch The Authentic Leader webinar presented by some of my colleagues at Bluepoint Leadership Development.