Leadership

Abstract

Authentic leaders exhibit transformation, growth and development throughout their journey of leadership. This is accompanied by rapid growth in skills, which is essential for the success of a leader and the organization.

Table of Contents

Introduction3

Discussion4

Leadership behavior4

Becoming authentic leader and temptations4

Journey of authentic leadership4

Phase I: Preparing for Leadership5

Phase II: Leading5

Phase III: Giving Back5

Growth of skills5

Kouzes and Posner's practices of leadership6

Model the way6

Inspire a shared vision6

Challenge the process6

Enable others to act6

Encourage the heart7

Going through a crucible7

The Transformation7

Andrew's derailment and my take on it8

Conclusion8

References8

Leadership

Introduction

Organizations require authentic leaders who have the capability to lead with ideas, values and integrity. An authentic leader goes through the journey of leadership, exhibiting Kouzes and Posner's practices of leadership. He develops and transforms himself and there is a rapid growth in his skills.

Discussion

Leadership behavior

According to Bob terry, authenticity means knowing and acting on the truth and reality in oneself, organization and team, and what is actual and real in the world. Authenticity is a very important quality of a leader. In other words, it is the integral part of leadership. The leadership behavior refers to the inherent behavior characteristics which transfer equally adept in different situations (Halpin, 1956).

Becoming authentic leader and temptations

To become an authentic leader requires dedication to growth and development. There are many temptations to pull one off the course. The greatest challenge one may face is to maintain one's authenticity (Bill George, True North). The qualities of their mind and heart guide the authentic leaders to develop themselves. They are consistent, work on their shortcomings, and never compromise on their principles. It is vital to develop a leadership style according to one's personality to become an authentic leader. One should be very genuine while interacting with others and accept one's weakness.

The temptation of leadership may lead one off course. This means that the pressure to deliver outstanding results is always present in the leader. This pressure to perform and succeed can drive one away from their fundamental values. It would tempt one to take shortcuts. An authentic leader should be motivated to grow and develop and maintain authenticity along the way (www.thetalentjourney.com).

Journey of authentic leadership

The journey to authentic leadership comprises of three basic steps.

Phase I: Preparing for Leadership

In the first thirty years, the leaders prepare for leadership by acquiring education, studies, and co-curricular activities and by gaining some preliminary work experiences. It is the time when leader's character is formed. Starting a business early could happen during development in this phase.

Phase II: Leading

The leading phase is the thirty to sixty years of leader's age. It is the time when leaders take on consecutive roles in the path of their top leadership experience. During this time, most leaders experience a hard period at home or work that puts their capabilities to test. This is called a crucible. My friend, Andrew Salach, is a CEO of general electric. He was one of the fast rising stars in GE. He expressed a strong desire to attain experience in leading early ...