Good day, Purposeful Hearts! Over the last few weeks, we’ve been exploring the importance of knowing Jesus as the standard, source, and sustainer of your leadership endeavors. Now that we’re properly plugged into our power source, we can get personal with how you use that energy source in your leadership style. (I bet you’ll look classy!)
As we dig into this topic, I’m recruiting Bill George’s lens on Authentic Leadership to guide our thoughts. He says, “Leadership begins and ends with authenticity. It’s being yourself; being the person you were created to be.” Amen! So, how do we ensure that our leadership is indeed authentic? Well, let’s look further into George’s dimensions of Authentic Leadership. These dimensions assert that a leader must understand their purpose, practice their values, lead with heart, establish close and enduring relationships, and demonstrate self-discipline. I’ll expand on each of these. Use each section as a gut-check moment to examine your own authenticity as a leader.
1. Understand their Purpose: Many people are drawn to the idea of leadership, whether for power, prestige, or attention. Without an understanding of your purpose and direction, it is impossible to be an authentic leader. You can’t take someone else’s purpose and be authentic! So, to find your purpose, you need to understand yourself, your passions, and your deep motivations. Then you need to connect that purpose to an audience (organization, church, committee, etc.) with a similar purpose.
2. Practice Solid Values: An authentic leader’s values are shaped by personal beliefs, education, introspection, and a lifetime of experience. They operate much like the familiar term “moral compass”. As a Christian, my values are caught up in the person of Christ, united with Him in purpose and practice.
3. Leading with Heart: Leaders who are open and willing to share themselves fully with their followers are able to ignite the hearts of their followers to achieve beyond what anyone thought was possible. Enthusiasm is contagious, like any good fashion trend!
4. Establish Close and Enduring Relationships: Followers want to feel that their leaders are accessible. It is in the openness and the quality of relationships that trust and commitment are built. So, the authentic leader establishes trusting relationships, knowing that the rewards are long lasting.
5. Demonstrate Self-Discipline: Self-discipline may seem like an obvious dimension of authentic leadership, but here it refers specifically to doing everything you can to demonstrate your values through your actions and your accountability.
So, how did you do? Can you see each of these dimensions of Authentic Leadership in your life? If not, you may be struggling with burnout, boredom, or stagnation. True Authentic Leadership, rooted in your deepest purpose and values, acts as a relentless fire that keeps your passions and motivations burning! That kind of style looks great on you!
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