Discovering Authentic Leadership: Self-Awareness, Mission-Driven Purpose, and Emotional Intelligence
Overview
This paper explores authentic leadership as a distinct leadership theory characterized by self-awareness, consistent values, and emotional authenticity. The author examines core characteristics of authentic leaders including self-awareness, mission-driven focus, and leading with emotional intelligence, supported by theoretical references and personal leadership experiences.
What this essay covers
- Introduction and definition of authentic leadership in relation to other leadership theories
- Core characteristics of authentic leaders: self-awareness, honesty about weaknesses, and consistency between words and actions
- Importance of mission-driven focus and maintaining organizational goals despite personal interests
- Emotional intelligence and vulnerability in leadership, including personal internship experience
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Discovering Authentic Leadership
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Discovering Authentic Leadership
Leadership in any community or organization determines the stability and existence of such entities. As a result, leadership remains essential for scholars, especially in the era of globalization. Over the years, several theories on positive leadership have been proposed, including; servant, ethical, transactional, and transformational leadership. Authentic leadership differs from these in its fundamental tenets, varying only on the concept of authenticity (Makhmoor, 2018). According to George et al. (2007), authentic leaders demonstrate their passion for their purpose, have consistent values, and use both head and heart to lead others. They further argue that authentic leaders establish meaningful, long-lasting relationships and are driven by self-discipline to realize results.
Authenticity in leaders occurs when their words and actions are consistent with the values and beliefs they hold. The term 'know you,' used by both Socrates and Shakespeare, is based on what authentic leadership has developed (Covelli & Mason, 2017). Thus, the first core characteristic of an authentic leader is self-awareness. It involves being aware of one’s limitations, emotions, and limitations. It requires one to show their real selves to those they lead. Thus, authentic leaders do not hide weaknesses or mistakes because they are not afraid of appearing weak. With this characteristic, such leaders ponder on their decisions by weighing strengths against weakness without being bias. In my first experience in leadership, I lead a class group on a community art project.