In fact, mindset plays a large role in the authentic leadership theory. Having a bad attitude is not a characteristic of authentic leadership because being a great leader is similar to being a great role model. What is not a characteristic of authentic leadership? Being honest and morally good is desirable in leadership because it translates to a leader who can make decisions transparently, with a solid amount of empathy and altruism. They are:Įach element describes an observable characteristic the leader should have in order to come off as honest and morally good. What are the authentic leadership characteristics?Ĭreated by Bill George, the authentic leadership theory is often depicted as a circle with the title in the middle and an outer layer broken up into five categories of linked ideas. Strong communication skills are essential, along with tact.īeing able to navigate the dynamics of teams, tasks, and project needs are essential in authentic leadership so that each area is served to the fullest without sacrificing another.Īn inner compass that guides decision-making helps keep workplace discussions fair and equitable. Having clear motives for every action is very important for authentic leadership. And perhaps most importantly, how their actions affect those around them for better or worse. The four key components of authentic leadership theory include:Ī leader should be familiar with both how they view themselves and how others see them. Long story short: Authentic leadership theory defines the top most desirable qualities a leader can have as actionable behaviors anyone can develop over time. Although being “good” is subjective, in terms of being in charge of a group or a project, there are a certain set of behaviors outlined in the authentic leadership theory that makes it tangible. If someone is an authentic leader, they’re known for being down to earth, genuine, and an all-around “good” person. What is authentic leadership theory?Īuthentic leadership theory is a set of qualities, values, and skills someone should possess if they want to be an effective project manager, business director, or team leader. Keep reading to discover the key components of authenticity, the benefits of this style, and whether or not it’s right for your unique team.
If you’re wondering how authentic leadership theory works, and how it stacks up against other methods, here are your answers. And the good news is that virtually anyone can successfully fake it ‘til they make it. According to the Harvard Business Review, authenticity has become the gold standard in leadership.