In today’s more connected world of social media, the internet of things and the always-on smartphone, the evolution of leadership styles and communication has been significant over the years.
With this greater transparency today, less acceptable is a dictator style of leader, who does not listen and barks orders based on fear and a need for power.
Today the trend is towards being more authentic, and even vulnerable, when appropriate as a leader. The outcome is generally a much more approachable and trusted leader, who people tend to better relate to and understand. Ultimately they tend to feel more inspired by their leader.
Below are a series of 1-minute video clips where I explore Authentic Leadership and some interesting aspects around how our attitude creates different levels of self-expression.
Part 1 Authentic Leadership – How positive thinking can disconnect from the truth
For me, positive thinking was a disconnection from reality, by going into the head, rather than being real and true. The head will process and analyse, hence is often not as authentic in the present moment. I am not such a fan of positive thinking, yet I am a BIG fan of optimistic thinking. The difference is not hiding from reality in the head, hence to feel and understand the situation as I make choices.
Part 2 Authentic Leadership – How over-authentic sharing can be draining
Over-Authentic sharing can be draining. In this 1-minute video, I share two examples of how people being too authentic can be draining. While being authentic is generally good, we don’t need to know every single thought! If we fully trust our internal instincts then our autopilot filter allows total freedom to be yourself. Speaking without thinking is true freedom. For me, it is like you don’t care what others think. Speaking without thought.
Part 3 Authentic Leadership – How self-belief is needed for Authentic Leadership
In this 1-minute video, I look at how self-belief is critical to allow true Authentic Leadership. I explain how self-doubt had previously been a significant factor in reducing my self-expression to say what I thought others wanted to hear. Yet today I speak instinctively without caring so much about what others think.
Do you agree? Look forward to any thoughts you have on Authentic Leadership by commenting below.