Authentic leadership is an interesting trait to have and to follow. We understand what a leader is, in a sense, but what does a leader do differently then follower to define themselves as such? The video in the lesson 12 material highlights this with a fantastic quote regarding where to start. “If you do not understand who you are, then you will have no authenticity”. (Caret) We must be able to develop these skills, learnable or not, or must learn to give the support to those that are capable of leading us.
What is interesting about the environment I myself work in is the leadership staff sticks to one message for the day, but they allow others to mold it, demonstrate it, and follow through with it. If i were to walk into a group of people and start shouting out orders, I would appear to be crazy, but if I had their support and the right type of leadership abilities they would follow my commands, right? According to the video there are a few traits to leadership that you can learn, and some you show naturally. There are three main ways to define leadership from lesson 12. First being interpersonal leadership. This type of leadership comes to be because of the relationship between leaders and followers. (PS WC, 2015) This is demonstrated at my work because in a sales position, in which I am in, I am taught products and some sales techniques, but the rest comes with my natural ability to talk with people.
Intrapersonal leadership is the second trait that was discussed that is able to describe ones way of getting inside the thoughts and behind the ideas of leadership. (PS WC,2015) I practice this at work daily because of self motivation and desire to succeed. “We measure leaders by their ability to get others to follow” (Caret) This is a great trait to have or one to practice because leaders will want their messages to spread. Becoming and early adopter of their message and put it in to practice will set one o track for a positive and healthy work environment.
What happens however when a leader is not present? How will they know who is skilled enough to handled judgment calls? How would they know who is ready? The third trait discussed is slightly different then the first two, interpersonal an interpersonal leadership, but is needed when developing the right type of up and coming leaders. Developmental leadership is more hands-off and nurturing skills and uncovering newer abilities . (PS WC, 2015) I am currently going through this now at my work with command skills within a leadership setting. I have grown to be one of the top sales people in my store. Not from a financial standpoint however, but more of a pillar and leader stand point. I may not make a million dollars in a year for the company, but I am able to teach and instruct others on how to achieve or how to soon achieve this goal. (If thats what they’re in it for)
I have found this video and lesson very interesting. I enjoy hearing about others thoughts and opinions when working to be a leader or how to be a leader. What I found most interesting was in the video, the two gentlemen were talking about traits not being learned but understanding them and delivering more naturally. I feel like I am capable of letting these skills flow now. Watching the video and reading the lesson is more assurance that you can learn some and already know some to be able to successfully lead and develop others with these skills.
- Pennsylvania State University World Campus, Psych 485. Lesson 12:Authentic Leadership. 2015
- Rob Sykes and Steve Botham, Caret. 2009