What is Authentic Leadership? (The Theory and Model)

Authentic leadership is a relatively new leadership theory in the behavioural school of leadership theories. In many ways, it is largely the coming together of other leadership models. But it does put an emphasis on being true to self that differentiates it from other approaches. Bill George is the name most associated with the term after publishing his book Authentic Leadership in 2003.
Taken at face value authentic leadership could be misleading or even damaging. After all, a toxic leader can be true to himself or herself and still be a bad leader. That is why true authentic leadership is about self-awareness, not just being true to self. It is also why an authentic leader also displays all four of the leadership traits listed below.
Self-awareness
Balance
Transparency
Morality
For more information on Authentic Leadership follow the link to the full article: therightquestions.co/what-doe...
This animation was created with VideoScribe: www.awin1.com/cread.php?s=292...

[@unctalkwithcoryclean]

This channel is incredible. They don't all get it. I subscribed and now have a favorite power channel. The Socratic method is life changing. Thank you were right the whole time.

[@therightquestions1]

Thanks!

[@ryanweaver962]

This is great, I work toward these paths, no one is perfect, kind of the point here. I would say... in very transitional times, as we are in, an little miscommunications leads to dramatic faulty process. The authentic leadership routes should help ease some of these realities.
It's also true, that there are vast and entrenched interests embedded within various sectors like health care and law enforcement, and various investment streams. Change management really matters as we can NOT just scrap very good work nor deny the reality if the needs of the work as we seek better. It's also true, that in these interconnected times and interest of influencing those who influence others... a distinct possibility of dystopian encroachment arises. It begins small and in many times, out of righteous intent but quickly gets usurped by other interest laden concepts. Our systems are splices of us.
Authentic leadership is not immune from these realities. After all... during the Cultural revolution in China... if folks were not agreeing... "reeducation" and or belittling dissenters becomes the norm. And, the same hold true for large scale leadership themes... the elevation of share holder profits as singularly merit... and the "welch" style of fear and cutting those who were at various economic spots....these matters are worth better understanding.
After all, the Patriot Act was created to help identify and thwart terrorist threats... but the actions of spying on citizens carries very real hazards, as does large military collaboration without proper oversight and not shared mission but exposure to sensitive information.
If someone doesn't share that their child has a disability and they have to take the day off to go to a specialist... does that mean they are not company leadership material? The law gives us certain allowances for privacy, which are not currently codified. It's like if mental health is elevated as a risk factor and "if you see something, say something" but we don't have actual caring systems in place for the protection of patients and their rights... "Authenticity" quickly morphs into marching orders of too far of synergy.
Now, I go too far... but these are the realties of transitions times... what are the checks and balances and positive feedback loops. Sure, I know authentic leadership which is shades of servant leadership is decent... but bills still have to be paid right? Sure, the difficult conversations still are had... Sometimes the discussion and context matters a lot more than the theory.

[@slahri7]

Hi Simon. Do you have some references please that I could use.thank you

[@therightquestions1]

Yes, no problem. Here are the main ones for the video:
Bill George wrote the original book called 'Authentic Leadership' in 2003 (amzn.to/3vfqM0a)
Avolio and Gardner are two academics who have written various papers on the subject and it is their framework I refer to in the video:
www.ipcrc.net/LDI/pdfs/sdarticle-authentic-leadership.pdf

[@fwole6527]

Indicators of an authetic leader
1) Self-awareness
2) Balance
3) Transparency
4) Morality

[@kevinjr9531]

pasen copia

[@jesusvalencia6704]

This is bullshit. That authentic leadership style makes my boss more narcissist and maniac. Because he said that his leadership style is authentic.

[@therightquestions1]

Hi Jesus, sorry to hear you think that way and that you have had such a bad experience with your boss. The Authentic Leadership model is not just about being yourself (no matter if you are bad or good). Rather it is about:
- Self-awareness
- Balance
- Transparency and
- Morality
If any of these aspects are missing then it is not the authentic leadership that the model espouses.
The whole idea of authentic leadership was introduced in response to the narcissistic, power-hungry and greedy leadership styles that you are rightly repulsed by. Take another look at the video and the link to the full article - hopefully, you will see we are on the same page when it comes to bad or toxic leadership :)

[@damson9470]

someone without self awareness is definitely not authentic.