Authentic Leadership

When I accepted my first management role, I was determined to find the recipe for perfect leadership. I tried out different styles, used several techniques and put many theories into play.

I failed miserably.

Then, I realized the key to sound leadership isn’t found in a manual. Just like parenting, you can know everything about how to do it right, but when you are doing the job, it all comes down to you.

You have to be real.

In other words, you have to have credibility and authenticity. Employees, just like children, see right through discomfort, dishonesty and disingenuous gestures.

It’s still a tricky concept, though. You have to be real yet still build an effective relationship with your team to inspire greatness and fulfill the potential of the organization. It’s a fine line being genuine and real and optimizing your effectiveness.

The manuals can still help, but the person holding them needs to be someone people trust.

Credibility makes a big difference in the workplace. If employees find their boss credible they are likely to:

• Feel proud of the organization and refer others to do business and join the team.
• Feel a strong sense of team.
• Share a personal connection and alignment of values.
• Have a sense of ownership.

When people lack respect for their manager, employees are likely to see the glass half empty and:

• Work less diligently, requiring more direct monitoring.
• Be more motivated by money.
• Criticize the organization.
• Look for another job.
• Feel unsupported, unappreciated and certainly unmotivated.

Bottom line: People don’t quit companies, they quit leaders. If people do not believe, trust or respect their leader, they will leave and find a place that they believe offers more hope for a bright and prosperous future.

So, what makes a credible leader?

• Honesty – This is by far the most important ingredient. Whether on the battle field, shop floor or boardroom, people want to be sure the leader is worthy of their trust before committing to following. Is the leader principled, ethical and truthful? We want to be led and not misled.
• Vision – A leader, after all, is leading into the future and has a clear understanding and idea about what the future holds and how to best to get there.
• Competence – Track record and ability to get things done.
• Infectious Energy – Think about Obama, Oprah and the Dali Lama. They are inspiring, positive, and magnetic. They give hope and confidence about the future.

To find these features in yourself, you have to look inward. Since a leader’s greatest quality is honesty, it all starts with self-awareness and being honest with yourself. Figure out what makes you tick. Understand your strengths and play to those and manage your weaknesses.

Managing your weaknesses may be exhibiting patience, controlling your language or temper or being more of a cheerleader than comes naturally to you. The genuine factor comes in how you exhibit your behavior in dealing with people, problems and pressures.

If you know that you can come across as too direct in an e-mail, use the phone or talk face-to-face. If you know that you tend to be distracted by your blackberry when in meetings, turn it off or don’t bring it. If writing thank you notes and buying gifts for your team for a great job is not your style, celebrate successes by saying thank you directly and spontaneously if that fits you better.

Eat some humble pie when needed. Admit your missteps and weaknesses. It’s a sign of strength if leaders can reveal their human sides.

It’s a matter of recognizing who you are and figuring out how best to inspire by staying real. Remember, the staff will see right through you. Let them see the real you.

Lorraine McGrath, MBA, of McGrath Executive, is a corporate director and advisor to businesses that are driven to succeed. Her achievements in business, community-giving and role-modeling have been recognized with several significant awards including Distinguished Alumni, Woman of Distinction, Woman of the Year and Honourary Fellow.

http://www.mcgrathexec.ca/