This theory was not an easy one for me and I think still for even the professionals as there is so much yet to be defined. When we hear the word authentic, we immediately associate it with being credible, pure, reliable and trustworthy. So on the surface, authentic leadership should be easy to define. In actuality, it is a complex process that is difficult to characterize. Among leadership scholars, there is no single accepted definition of authentic leadership. Instead, there are multiple definitions, each written from a different view point and with a different emphasis (Northhouse 2013).
Bill George describes the authentic leadership approach through five basic characteristics: (1) They understand their purpose, (2) they have strong values about the right thing to do, (3) they establish trusting relationships with others, (4) they demonstrate self-discipline and act on their values, and (5) they are passionate about their mission (i.e. act from their heart) (Northhouse 2013) This is shown in the diagram below.
From George’s list of characteristics, it’s hard for me to say that I have ever come across a manager in my 15 yrs working in the corporate world. Unfortunately in the corporate world, many managers don’t lead with values and self-discipline but almost rather the opposite in order to climb the “corporate ladder” that much faster. So I needed to look outside of the workplace and explore who our daily leaders and influences are that fall into this type of passionate and unselfish role. The first person that comes to mind is Mother Teresa.
Truly authentic leaders and people dedicate their life to a greater purpose that is in sync with their core values and beliefs. Mother Teresa does just that. She dedicated her life to helping the poor, the sick and dying around the world. She was selfless in her work with the needy. Mother Teresa didn’t do her work based on getting recognized or obtaining a higher position at a company, she did it based on her values. She was so passionate about her mission to help that it exuded to ones who followed her and understood what she was determined to accomplish.
Although this theory is still being defined completely in the literal terms, I feel that Mother Teresa defines and embodies what this theory is truly about.
Works Cited:
Northouse, P. (2013). Leadership: theory and practice (6th ed.). Los Angeles: Sage Publication
PSU World Campus. (2013). PSYCH485 Lesson 12: Authentic Leadership Retrieved from https://courses.worldcampus.psu.edu/sp13/psych485/001/content/12_lesson/printlesson.html