Think about that. You are not called to be perfect, but to be genuine in order to be authentic. That translates to leadership values for those who consider themselves to be an authentic leader.
"Authenticity is the daily practice of letting go of who we think we're supposed to be
and embracing who we are." (Brene Brown)
Positivity is a core value in authentic leadership. Positivity draws from the foundational work in positive psychology and positive organizational behavior. A leader's positivity or positive psychological capacities is defined using the four components associated with positive psychological capital and authentic leadership. The four components include hope, resiliency, optimism and efficacy (Norman, Avolio, & Luthans, 2010).
In his book, Discover Your True North, Bill George states, "Authentic leadership is the desire to serve others, know themselves, and feel free to lead from their core values" (2003).
So why so much talk about authenticity? Each day I work with development professionals that put their heart and soul into their professions. They are transparent, supportive, and experts in their respective fields. I work with them directly as part of my development team or on the field as a bigger part of our nonprofit organization. They raise funds and awareness to provide services and programs for the homeless, hungry, and marginalized in their communities.
One person in particular, is my friend Jeanne. Until today, she was the Director of Business and Development in Green Bay, WI. I've known her for two years, but during that short time I have observed her loyalty to the organization, to those she worked with, and those she worked for. She is one of the most authentic leaders I've met and in her authenticity she is following God's leading in her life to another organization so she can bless them with her leadership. I will miss her sense of humor, her expertise, and her presence as a colleague. We have promised to stay in touch, but like many seasonal friends our jobs will keep us at a distance. I'm ok with that as I will always call her friend.
Who is an authentic leader in your life? What do they bring to your table?
Have you embraced the authentic leader within you? You may not be perfect, but you can be genuine.
What She Said ~ Beverly
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