The leadership model develop by L. Michael Hall Ph.D. is a detailed and measurable model of leadership consisting of seven criteria based on studies of successful leaders.
This article will explain the first of these criteria, Authenticity, in detail and describe specific steps you can implement to improve your own leadership.
What is Authenticity?
Authenticity is the quality or condition of being trustworthy or genuine. It can be described as being and acting from one’s true self without masks and personas.
Someone who is authentic will speak and act congruently and their words and gestures, tone, and volume will all match content of what they are saying. They will speak and act in ways that reveal their true beliefs, views, opinions and emotions even when this might conflict with those they are communicating with.
Key Questions for Authentic Leadership
The following key questions will help you to apply this criteria in practice to become a great leader.
What do you really want and believe in?
In order to lead authentically, you need to know what you want and what your beliefs are, so that you can act and speak congruently.
What is really important to you?
There will be some things you want in your life and some beliefs that take priority over everything else. It might be your health, your family, financial independence or your belief in the right of others to be, for example, respected or treated equally. By being clear about what is really important, you will be better placed to communicate this to others.
What makes for a meaningful and significant life?
Many of us would like our life to have some “meaning”, to leave behind a legacy, to have “left a footprint in the sand”. Do you know what legacy you would most like to leave? How do you want to be remembered by those closest to you?
What do you really think and feel about the things that are important to you?
When you are clear about what is most important in your life and the legacy you hope to leave, then you will be more willing to share your thoughts and feelings about these things with others. Sharing your views with energy, emotion, and enthusiasm engages those around you and lets them know that these topics are important to you.
How truly do you act on your beliefs and opinions?
If you often find yourself playing roles to protect yourself or satisfy others or going along with whatever is socially or politically correct even when you don’t agree with it, then you are failing to be true to yourself. People around you will sense this either consciously or on an unconscious level and find it difficult to trust you. If you speak or act in ways that are congruent, you will sound believable because your tone, volume and body-language will match the content of your words.
Confrontation may be unpleasant however if you believe in something that is important to you it is far better to be honest and risk disagreement than to oppress your true feelings. Others will respect your honesty and integrity and find it easier to trust and follow you if they know that you are willing to stand up for your principles.
What are your passions, talents, and vision?
If you are passionate about something. If you have a vision of the future that enthuses you or a particular skills or ability that fills you with joy and energy, then following that passion or vision will automatically inspire others.
If you find any of these questions difficult to answer then try this simple exercise: sit down in a quiet space with a blank piece of paper and write out, in as much detail as possible, how you would like your life to be in every aspect that is important to you. Use positive language and write as if you are already living this life. Make this a fun game and let your imagination soar.
Being an Authentic Leader
Truly great leaders throughout history have stood out from the crowd by living up to their highest values, pursuing their visions, challenging injustices and still being modest, humble and willing to be of service to others.
Are you willing and able to be authentic?
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