AUTHENTIC LEADERSHIP

This contemporary leadership theory is the one that stood out to me the most. The reason is because it involves leaders leading with their core values, which is definitely a recurring topic in my blog.  I discovered this theory through a website named leopard-learning.com. I then continued my search and stumbled upon a book by bill George; Rediscovering the Secrets to Creating Lasting Value. He points out that authentic leadership involved commitment and leaders that make “a difference in the lives of the people they serve.” I liked this theory because it incorporates a few of my favorite leadership theories which as: transformational, and moral/ethical leadership.

Authentic leadership was invented to meet the new ideas of the 21^st century. Everything in the world is constantly changing and so it is very important to keep up with new ideas of leadership that fit with the time period we are living today. Historic leadership theories are still important because they are the foundation of all the innovative theories that have been invented in the present. Authentic leadership focuses on developing people’s strengths rather than focusing all the time on trying to eliminate all their weaknesses. It also involved some basic principles such as being dwelling (being a present leader), freedom (empowering, make choices), justice (equality), participation (acting), love (creating relationships), and responsibility (taking responsibility for actions). It also explains how leaders lead because they like to do so, not because their job status gives them the power and the right to lead. This leadership involved taking off that business suit and briefcase that gives people status and power and lead with their inner values.

http://michaelhyatt.com/the-five-marks-of-authentic-leadership.html. This article by Michael Hyatt was also very interesting to read. It talks about how authentic leadership involves vision, innovation, influence, impact, and integrity.