Leadership is a complex and multifaceted concept. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to leadership, and what works for one person may not work for another. However, there are some common attributes that are often associated with authentic leadership.
Authentic leadership is a style of leadership that is based on being true to oneself. Authentic leaders are honest and transparent with their followers, and they lead by example. They are also self-aware, constantly learning and growing, and have a strong sense of values and purpose.
Identifying Your Authentic Leadership Attributes
There are a few things you can do to identify your authentic leadership attributes. First, take some time to reflect on your values and beliefs. What is important to you? What are you passionate about? Once you have a good understanding of your values, you can start to think about how they translate into leadership.
The Realities of Developing Your Own Leadership Style
Developing your own leadership style is a lifelong journey. There will be times when you feel confident and capable, and there will be times when you feel lost and unsure. The important thing is to stay curious and open to new possibilities or perspectives.
Here are a few realities that you may face when developing your own leadership style:
- You will make mistakes. Everyone makes mistakes, even leaders. The important thing is to learn from your mistakes and move on.
- You will face challenges. Leadership is not always easy. There will be times when you face challenges that test your skills and abilities. The important thing is to stay strong and keep moving forward.
- You will need to be flexible. The world is constantly changing, and so must your leadership style based on various factors such as the needs of the individuals you are influencing, organization politics, the context and urgency of the situation.
Identifying your authentic leadership attributes is an important first step in developing your own leadership style. By taking some time to reflect on your values, beliefs, and strengths, you can start to develop a leadership style that is true to yourself. Along the way, be kind to yourself, andseek out diverse voices, while being patient and persistent. With time and effort, you can develop a leadership style that is both effective and authentic.
Additional Resources
- The Leadership Challenge by James M. Kouzes and Barry Z. Posner
- Authentic Leadership by Bill George
- The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey
In the Dame Leadership Academy, we explore common leadership styles/tactics and the realities that we face when developing our own leadership styles and abilities.
For more about Dame Leadership Academy give us a call at 717-524-4265.