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The Illusion of Authentic Leadership: Where Did the Morals and Trust Go?

Article Overview: This article focus on Authentic Leadership, the role values, ethics, morals, and trust play in leading others. A must read for those who are seeking a deeper understanding of what it means to "Lead with Purpose" in an authentic and trustworthy way. How to separate yourself as a leader from the pack.

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The Illusion of Authentic Leadership: Where Did the Morals and Trust Go?

Sixty-two years of perfecting his craft, 409 wins, two national championships, and three major Big Ten wins. For many, Joe Paterno, represents a legend and hero, for others he has taught us a lesson on when "Authentic Leadership" loses it way. Isn't it funny how one can be perceived to have excellent technical/professional skills and given that our award system is primarily performance based, these skills usually serve as the first step on the ladder to "hero" status. Why is it that our culture has evolved into a place where people who deliver results, do good deeds, or hold positions of power suddenly become our "idols"? We are quick to put them on a pedestal, give them "celebrity" status, or "superhuman" powers. There was a time when these acts were recognized as "doing your job", "doing what was expected", or just plain "results of hard work". Where did we lose our way?

This brings me to the question, "What is Authentic Leadership"? "Authentic Leaders know who they are, what they value & believe in, as well as act on these values and beliefs in an open and sincere way". Authentic Leaders understand that ethics and trust are the values that set them apart from the pack.

So you may be thinking how does ethics and trust set leaders apart. Ask Mark Hurd, ex-CEO of HP, Jeff Skilling, ex-CEO of Enron, or Barry Bonds, 7 time MVP & former Major League Baseball outfielder better yet, what happens when everyone follows the "rules" or adheres to the "policies and procedures" and violations still occur? What does an Authentic Leader do?

Authentic Leaders act from a different place. They recognize that the rules, policies and procedures don't always ensure success. These are systemic measures that attempt to ensure optimal outcomes, but they aren't fool proof. Authentic leaders are driven by an inter-voice, an instinct, an innate need to follow and act upon what they value and believe. It is a combination of the aforementioned that leads the Authentic Leader to incorporate their ethics and morals into their decision making process. They realize that those who follow them have come to trust them to "do the right thing" based on the values and belief system that has convicted them thus far. To do anything less than that would comprise the trust of those who follow them.

Authentic Leaders step up and accept responsibility for what happens under their watch. They are willing to take risks despite how those risks may affect them personally or professionally. They realize that if they choose to look the other way, sweep it under the rug, or ignore issues that these acts jeopardize the trust they have developed with their followers. When the systems breakdown, Authentic Leaders step up and take the necessary action to ensure that they preserve the integrity and trust that has served them and their followers well. They persist until the job is done!

We all are called to a greater calling. Status, fame, a "reality-based media" culture seems to be leading us to an "illusion" of authenticity. We either bring our true selves to the table or some version of what we want others to believe. At the end of the day, the illusions that we create will be revealed for the "hoax" that they are. Our followers will lose trust in us and all of our past accomplishments will be overshadowed by the lack of authenticity we displayed.

In the end, it will be those who bring their authentic self, with a foundation built on ethics, morals, and trust that provide the sustainability our followers are seeking and we value. It is this foundation that will lay the groundwork for our legacy. This legacy will encompass our experiences, risks, visions, and follow-up that differentiates Authentic Leaders from the pack.

If you choose to lead, lead with purpose, lead with a value system that supersedes our cultural norms, be worthy of the trust that your followers have instilled in you, don't let your personal agenda keep you from honoring and acting on what you value and believe to be true. Will the real "Authentic Leaders" stand up!

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Article Tags: Authentic, Branding, Ethics, Leadership, Morals, Purpose Driven Leadership, Trust

About the Author: Cheryl McDuffie James
RSS for Cheryl's articles - Visit Cheryl's website

Our client services include a full range of business and leadership development services including one-on-one & team business coaching, customized professional development programs, professional facilitation, process management services, and small group seminars as well as speaking engagements upon request. We provide our clients with the tools they require to improve results, achieve goals, and get more out of each interaction.

The firm is led by Cheryl McDuffie James, Managing Director, with over twenty years of experience in the areas of Finance, Marketing, Sales, Consulting, and Process Management. Her experiences were achieved in several industries including, Telecommunications, Pharmaceuticals/Biotech, Restaurant, and Consumer Foods. She serves as Course Instructor for Leadership & Organizational Behavior as well as Section Adjunct of Finance and Marketing for an undergraduate distant learning program. In addition, she serves as Business Contributor for a regional, quarterly magazine for professional women and provides leadership & business development coaching for professionals at all levels including MWBE owners. Ms. James has a BS in Accounting and a MBA. She is also a recipient of multiple sales and leadership awards.

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