Affect Leadership: The Characteristics Of Authentic Leadership

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Authentic leadership
Authentic Leadership (George, Sims, McLean, & Mayer, 2007) the most important capability for leaders to develop is self-awareness. It continues to surprise me how many leaders attempt to be one way at work, while their “true” personality emerges outside of work. Once a CEO reminded me, “Leadership is acting.” And it surprises me when these same leaders seem shocked or confused when their employees don’t trust them, don’t like them, and can’t really wait to work elsewhere. I believe that being honest and portraying this honesty in your leadership is always beneficial as people will always respect you more as a leader. Authenticity has been explored throughout history, from Greek philosophers to the work of Shakespeare (“To thy own self be true.” –Polonius, Hamlet). This applies to my behaviour and I feel this is the most appropriate leadership trait I have. Authentic leaders are self-actualized individuals who are aware of their strengths, their limitations, and their emotions. They also show their real selves to their followers. They do not act one way in privat...

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