Be an Authentic Leader
The true definition of an authentic leader is one who has a vision that motivates and inspires other toward achieving a shared goal and becoming better. You become a leader when you have a vision that other people want to follow! Leaders instill cultural values, build trust and lead by example. You can be a leader in your family, community, on your sports team or in the workplace.
What a leader is not:
Many think of Leaders as people who control companies, governments, or organizations. Yet, being a boss doesn't make you a leader nor does the title Manager; they do, however, create the expectation of leadership. People also frequently try to identify personal characteristics of an effective leader: charisma, appearance, and good communications skills. These do not create effective leaders.
Leadership is about vision & ideas, not control
A potential leader develops a vision by describing an idea with future desired outcome, usually with widespread benefits to many. The vision only creates a leadership opportunity if people think:
Effective leaders are aware that they also make good followers. They recognize and respect great ideas and visions, and understand the work and obligations of leading. They are motivated by worthy visions, values, and outcomes, not by ego.
Vision and trust enable leadership
Long-term leaders are authentic. Worthy visions energize and motivate people to want to be part of them. Leaders instill cultural values, build trust and lead by example. It is simple and pragmatic.
What a leader is not:
Many think of Leaders as people who control companies, governments, or organizations. Yet, being a boss doesn't make you a leader nor does the title Manager; they do, however, create the expectation of leadership. People also frequently try to identify personal characteristics of an effective leader: charisma, appearance, and good communications skills. These do not create effective leaders.
Leadership is about vision & ideas, not control
A potential leader develops a vision by describing an idea with future desired outcome, usually with widespread benefits to many. The vision only creates a leadership opportunity if people think:
- That’s a worthy idea; and
- I’d like to be a part of that; and
- How can I help?
- Building a team committed to the vision; and
- Seeking and instilling values & culture that build trust.
Effective leaders are aware that they also make good followers. They recognize and respect great ideas and visions, and understand the work and obligations of leading. They are motivated by worthy visions, values, and outcomes, not by ego.
Vision and trust enable leadership
Long-term leaders are authentic. Worthy visions energize and motivate people to want to be part of them. Leaders instill cultural values, build trust and lead by example. It is simple and pragmatic.