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Authentic Leadership

Written by: Bradley Foster

Article Overview: As an authentic leader you are an effective leader. Leadership is founded on character and intent but before this is possible you must know yourself more thoroughly than anyone else does. For you to become more effective with others, you first must become more effective with yourself. Before you focus on finding the right partner, seek to be the right partner. You must commit to being genuine, to be authentic, to be unafraid to know yourself and let others see you that way..

Authentic Leadership

Are you a boss or are you a leader? At Giant Steps Coaching, I specialize in developing the art, practice and methodologies of Authentic Leadership. Bosses make decisions and give orders, which is an ineffective, stressful, and costly way to manage (causing increased, massive turnover costs, illness, and low employee productivity). You are an authentic leader when you are genuine, know who you are, listen authentically, express authentically, appreciate authentically and serves with authenticity.

As an authentic leader you are an effective leader. Leadership is founded on character and intent but before this is possible you must know yourself more thoroughly than anyone else does. For you to become more effective with others, you first must become more effective with yourself. Before you focus on finding the right partner, seek to be the right partner.You must commit to being genuine, to be authentic, to be unafraid to know yourself and let others see you that way..

Character + Mindfulness = Habits of Leadership. I help you to develop the habits of mindfulness and awareness that make you more authentic and fearless, less reactionary and insecure. I help you break old habits and patterns that do not work for you any more.

I help you identify your strong character traits, attitudes, and intent that supports excellence in leadership. I also help you identify where your leadership skills are not as clear. By becoming aware of your strengths and weaknesses you build an appreciation of your unique characteristics as a leader. By knowing yourself, you capitalize on your strengths and see your vulnerabilities as of potential areas strength and growth.

My executive, business, and leadership coaching stress:

Know Thyself:

You cannot be an effective leader until your know yourself. Imagine the leader you could become if you could erase self doubts, insecurities and self defeating behaviour. Your example will encourage your colleagues to have the courage to emulate you.

Listen authentically:

Do you know the feeling that no one is listening to you? Make sure your colleagues feel heard by you. Listening to someone authentically is the greatest gift you can give someone and you will learn so much.

Express Authentically:

Conveying feedback directly to others (colleagues, customers, and employees) sensitively and honestly, with generosity and empathy will earn you their admiration and respect. Learn how to express your reactions and motivations openly and honestly and how to create a safe environment for others to do the same.

Recognize Authentically:

Sometimes all it takes to motivate staff and management is to simply acknowledge their efforts. Leaders make a point of recognizing and appreciating the contributions of their employees. They will feel supported knowing exactly how you see them.

Serve Authentically:

All four principles lead up to this one. As leaders we accept that we are here to serve others. Our gift to others is to use our talents for the greater good. Leadership is a lifelong process that not only enhances the bottom line, it transforms our life.

I am highly trained and skilled in these leadership principles and helps make the difference in your leadership.

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Article Tags: authentic, character, coaching, courage, expression, leadership, practice



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