Authentic Leadership in the Workplace

When discussing authentic leadership in the workplace, a common definition reveals that it encompasses individuals who are self-aware and mindful of how their behavior and thoughts are perceived by others; are aware of their own and others’ morals, values, knowledge, and strengths, and are confident, optimistic, hopeful, and resilient. While this definition captures the essence of authentic leadership, research shows that this type of leadership is continuously evolving. Authentic leaders tend to think outside the parameters of traditional leadership training. Furthermore, four intervention techniques assist researchers in identifying this leadership theory: creating genuine interventions, replicating trigger events in training, teaching ethics, and mentoring others for authentic leadership development.

The Four Intervention Techniques for Authentic Leadership Development

1. Creating Genuine Interventions:

This involves helping leaders align their leadership style with their personal values and beliefs through reflective exercises and self-awareness practices. Leaders are encouraged to explore their true selves, ensuring that their actions align with their authentic identity.

2. Replicating Trigger Events in Training:

Authentic leaders often emerge during challenging moments. Replicating these “trigger events” in training—such as crisis scenarios or high-pressure decision-making exercises—helps leaders develop resilience and authenticity under stress.

3. Teaching Ethics:

Ethics is a key component of authentic leadership. Training emphasizes not only understanding ethical principles but also applying them in everyday leadership practices, fostering a culture of trust and fairness within teams.

4. Mentoring for Authentic Leadership:

Mentorship provides guidance for emerging leaders, helping them reflect on their experiences and cultivate their own authentic leadership style. By learning from experienced leaders, they can navigate challenges while staying true to their values.

Applying Authentic Leadership in the Workplace

In the workplace setting, authentic leadership can take on many forms. This type of leadership can come from C-suite executives, direct managers, and even colleagues. A visual representation of authentic leadership in the workplace can be seen during project planning and team collaboration. For example, a manager who fosters an honest and trusting environment recognizes the unique strengths and expertise of individual team members, allowing them to contribute meaningfully to the project. By providing clear, constructive feedback and supporting their professional growth, the manager creates opportunities for employees to develop their skills and thrive within the team. 

Authentic leadership also involves replicating real-world challenges, such as tight deadlines or high-stress situations, during project planning sessions. This prepares employees to handle workplace pressures confidently and ensures they understand their roles within the team.  Ethics are emphasized through positive communication and clear, consistent expectations set by the leader. When everyone is held to the same ethical standards, the team is more likely to build cohesion and trust, leading to a more collaborative and productive workplace environment.

Authentic leadership directly connects to the concept of creating positive meaning in the workplace. Enabling positive meaning means acknowledging the positive impact of others, aligning work with core individual values, highlighting the long-term impact of the work, and fostering a sense of community. The four elements of authentic leadership development align with the four attributes of enabling positive meaning. Authentic leadership is crucial to building genuine relationships and fostering growth because it sets the stage for continued growth and development, positive communication, and connecting success to true meaning and passion.

Authentic leaders can provide guidance for individuals to know their “why” for “what” they are doing. It is vitally important for individuals to feel that the environment they are in is conducive for autonomy, growth, opportunity to learn from mistakes, and building a positive culture. These different skills are developed when authentic leadership is present.

Why Does This Matter?

Authentic leadership represents a dynamic and evolving approach to leading others, one that prioritizes self-awareness, ethical decision-making, and genuine relationships. Through the four intervention techniques—creating genuine interventions, replicating trigger events, teaching ethics, and mentoring—leaders can develop the skills needed to lead authentically. In the workplace, authentic leadership not only enhances individual growth but also fosters a culture of trust, collaboration, and positive meaning. By embracing authentic leadership, organizations can create environments that empower individuals to thrive and achieve their true potential.

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Reference 

Cameron, K. (2012). Positive leadership strategies for extraordinary performance (2nd ed.). San  Francisco, CA: Berrett-Koehler Publishers, Inc 

Cooper, C. D., Scandura, T. A., & Schriesheim, C. (2005). Looking forward but learning from our past: Potential challenges to developing authentic leadership theory and authentic leaders. The Leadership Quarterly, 16(3), 475-493