The Authentic Leader

Authentic Leaders are transparent, curious, and vulnerable.  They also possess a Beginner's Mind.  They have no facades; what you see is what you get.  ALL they can ever offer those they lead is who they authentically are, nothing more, nothing less.  They are neither superior nor inferior to their followers.

Authentic leaders show up with humility and quiet self confidence.  For example, when asked a question, they can easily say "I don't know.  What do you think?" when they don't know the answer.  Or, when reviewing one of their unsuccessful projects, they can say "That sure didn't work.  Can you help me?  What do you think we should try next?"

Three attributes define Authentic Leadership.  First, Mastering the Art of Authentic Leadership is a life-long journey, not a destination.  The effectiveness of all leaders dissolves the instant they think they have "arrived".

Second, Authentic Leadership emanates more from the heart and less from the head, more from intuition and feeling, and less from logic and thinking.  Yes, logical, analytical problem solving skills are necessary, but they are NOT sufficient if Authentic Leaders are to be successful at their most important Key Responsibility.

Third, Authentic Leaders must create "HOT" Relationships with those they wish to lead if they are to be successful fulfill their most important Key Responsibility.  ("HOT" Relationships are relationships grounded in Honesty, Openness and Trust.  This concept is developed in the "HOT" Relationships Coaching Handout).