I have been working with leaders in all different size organizations and industries for over 20 years, and I have found there is a Leadership Language that most successful leaders use with their executive teams and staff.
This is going to be a five part series briefly describing each of the Five Languages of Leadership. Hope you enjoy it and please send me your feedback and thoughts!
The first of the Five Languages of Leadership is Authenticity. Authenticity is the foundation of leadership. To lead effectively you must be yourself. Lead your staff with your own personal leadership style from the core of who you are.
To truly be authentic, one must develop their own leadership style that is congruent with their personality and character. If we conform to a style that is not consistent with who we are, people will see right through it and question our integrity.
What’s interesting is that most leadership books say, “XYZ” are the characteristics of a great leader, develop these characteristics or skills and you will be a great leader…but is that being authentic? Or are you trying to be someone you are not? Leadership is about knowing who you are; your strengths, your limitations and working with those and developing skills to be the best you can be to influence others towards the same outcome.
I looked up the definition of authentic and this is what I found: “…true to one’s own personality, spirit or character, genuine, real…”
Your good character builds trust among your followers. Connecting authentically with the thoughts and feelings of others can only improve and deepen your relationships in order to motivate them toward a specific outcome.
There is a saying, “Trust takes a lifetime to build and a second to destroy.” If a leader is not truly authentic and functioning from the core of who they are, their staff/followers will not trust them and disconnect from the Vision, Mission and Purpose. Trust creates “buy-in” to the leader and the leader’s goals, if people lose trust in the leader they will disconnect from the goals.
Being an authentic leader also means you admit and accept responsibility for mistakes. An authentic leader uses their natural abilities, recognizes their shortcomings and works hard to overcome them. They lead with a powerful Vision that is in alignment with their Values and Purpose.
Authentic leaders are dedicated to continuously learn, develop and challenge themselves to be better. They accept feedback and are willing to look at themselves honestly. They are consistent, congruent and disciplined.
Authentic leaders are most interested in developing others to be the best they can be. They are driven as much by the heart, passion and compassion as they are by the bottom line.
Questions to ask to challenge yourself to be an authentic leader:
- What are your greatest strengths as a leader?
- What are your limitations as a leader?
- Do you accept feedback from others and respond appropriately?
- Are you in alignment with your purpose and values?
- Is your leadership style congruent with the core of who you are?
- Are you honestly interested in developing others?
- Do you accept responsibility and admit when you make a mistake?
Leadership begins and ends with authenticity; being yourself, being the person you were created to be. Stay tuned for the next post for The Five Languages of Leadership!