In today's fast-paced world, leadership has taken on new dimensions.
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The age-old concept of authenticity has gained renewed importance as leaders strive to find a balance between success and staying true to themselves.
In her book, "The Art of Authenticity," Karissa Thacker provides invaluable insights and tools to help leaders become more authentic without compromising their effectiveness. Let's explore the key concepts from the book and delve deeper into the art of authentic leadership.
Understanding Authenticity in the Digital Age
The 21st century brought both unprecedented freedom and fear. The fear stemmed from events like the 9/11 terror attacks and economic crises. In contrast, the digital age offered unparalleled freedom, with smartphones and social media redefining the way we communicate and express ourselves. Authenticity, in this context, requires a reevaluation of our preconceptions.
To embark on the journey of authentic leadership, Thacker suggests conducting a self-assessment. This introspective process helps identify your strengths, preferred work environment, values, sense of belonging, and contributions. These elements form the basis of your unique signature as a leader.
Making Signature Contributions
One crucial aspect of authentic leadership is understanding when you make a unique impact on your organization. Thacker terms these moments "signature contributions." Embracing your quirks and showcasing your distinctiveness can engage interest and add depth to your leadership.
Thacker emphasizes the importance of experimentation as a tool for leadership development. By trying out new behaviors and assessing their effectiveness, you gain the flexibility needed for success in today's dynamic business landscape.
Authenticity Science: The Four Components of Leadership Authenticity
Thacker identifies four components of leadership authenticity: self-awareness, balanced processing, relational transparency, and internalized moral perspective. These areas become the focal points in the journey toward becoming an authentic leader.
Seeking Authentic Leadership vs. Charisma
Authenticity should be prioritized over charisma when seeking role models. Charisma, while captivating, can sometimes mask character flaws. Thacker distinguishes between two types of charismatic leaders: those focused on the greater good and those focused on personal gain. Authentic leaders prioritize shared vision, the big picture, and self-confidence over charisma.
Being "Selves Aware"
Authenticity involves more than merely conforming to personality traits or societal norms. Research highlights three ways of being authentic: consistently aligning with your traits, conforming to cultural norms, and focusing on your uniqueness. Discovering your values, motivations, and distinctiveness enables you to bridge the gap between your current and ideal authentic self.
Developing Balanced Processing
Balanced processing requires viewing situations objectively, considering all perspectives, and seeking input before making decisions. Thacker stresses the importance of distinguishing between dilemmas requiring team input and problems with straightforward solutions. Vigilance against groupthink and engaging "antagonists" who provide opposing viewpoints enhances balanced processing.
Practicing Relational Transparency
Relational transparency entails honest communication and avoiding workplace secrets. While honesty is crucial, not everything must be shared in the workplace. Thacker suggests three rules for guiding transparency: proactively showing your authentic self, differentiating between your professional persona and true self, and avoiding vague communication.
Developing and Following an Internalized Moral Perspective
To align your behavior with your values, you must internalize a moral perspective and uphold it consistently. Thacker advises using "guardrails" to stay on track, such as refraining from writing anything online that you wouldn't want in the Wall Street Journal, conducting weekly self-assessments, and maintaining a grounded organizational mission statement.
Advanced Authenticity Topics
- Being Guided by Conscious Choices: Embracing "free traits" and consciously choosing behaviors that align with your core values can enhance authenticity. Growth may involve experimenting with new behaviors that reflect your values.
- Interpreting Cultures: Organizations possess distinct cultures that influence authenticity. Research leaders and assess cultural aspects before joining an organization to ensure alignment with your leadership style.
- Getting Acquainted With Paradoxes: Recognize tensions between your ideal self, real self, and others' expectations. Understanding these paradoxes can guide your decision-making and promote authentic leadership.
- Seeking Truth in a "Spinning" World: Trust and honesty go hand in hand in authentic leadership. Leaders must lead by example, promote a culture of honesty, and follow specific behaviors to foster an honest workplace
Authentic leadership is a journey of self-discovery, self-improvement, and aligning your values with your actions. Karissa Thacker's book, "The Art of Authenticity," offers valuable insights and practical advice for leaders seeking to embrace their true selves while achieving success. By focusing on self-awareness, balanced processing, relational transparency, and internalized moral perspective, leaders can navigate the complexities of the digital age while remaining authentic.
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