As we stated in our last article, business success is a journey, in which you develop or mature the different building blocks that compound the foundation for success. The strongest and the best quality these building blocks are, the most success you’ll get.
In today’s article, we’ll talk about the first building block: LEADERSHIP.
When you google the word leadership, you obtain about 3,460,000,000 results. Most of the material discusses the definition and the skills of great leadership, but unfortunately; a very important and crucial characteristic of leadership has been forgotten: Authenticity.
AUTHENTIC LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
Why is it important to become an authentic leader? Leading in the 21st. The century within a global economy is vastly different from leading in the 20th. Century. People in organizations have changed dramatically, to the point where many will no longer tolerate the classic “command and control leaders” of the last century; nor are they impressed by charismatic leaders whose leadership is based primarily on personal ego.
People in today’s organizations seek authentic leaders who they can trust, but they are not so easily fooled or so quick to offer their loyalty. Many are knowable workers who often know more than their bosses. They are looking for the opportunity to step up and have an impact now. They are willing to work extremely hard but will do so only for an organization whose purpose they believe in, as they are seeking meaning and significance in their work. They are willing to trust their leaders only if they prove themselves worthy of their trust.
If you want to be effective as a leader today, you need to be authentic.
Authentic and effective leaders readily align people around a common purpose that inspires them to peak performance. They unite people around a common set of values so that everyone knows precisely what is expected. They empower others to step up and lead so that people within the organization are highly motivated and give their best. They are in a constant dialogue with everyone, not only internally but externally as well.
It is not easy! In fact, many consider it the hard side of leadership.
If this is the hard side, which is the easy side? It is getting the short-term numbers right. Enron sounds familiar? Many smart people can figure out how to do that.
Being authentic creates a virtuous cycle. The very best people will want to work with you, and as a result, your performance will be superior, and you will be able to take on even greater challenges. Without authentic leaders, it is impossible to have sustained effectiveness. With authentic leaders, the possibilities are unlimited!!
Are you an authentic leader? Learn what is an authentic leader in our next article.
