Over the last century, leadership theories have been developed and tried by those in the business sector, public service and beyond. After studying these different theories, I personally relate to authentic leadership the most.
From an intrapersonal perspective, authentic leadership incorporates self-knowledge and awareness. Without this deep understanding of one’s self, leaders would be ineffective at captivating a group to reach higher. Instead, the leader’s own goals would be the group’s goal, whether it’s a negative or positive one. This could cause the group to sway from the common good and cause their project to be swayed.
Similarly, from the interpersonal perspective, both leaders and followers are involved in all parts of the group. This is where authentic leadership varies from the common definitions of leadership in the past. Authentic leadership requires that all members of the group be proactive in the decision making, and that the leader is not better than their followers.
From the developmental perspective, authentic leadership closely relates to the skills-approach of leadership. Authentic leadership is not something that people are born with. It is not a trait, rather it is a process that must be learned and worked on. In this way, authentic leadership mostly resembles a pattern
To me, authentic leadership is the basis of any leadership program geared to public service, and beyond. There is a great emphasis on being ethical and responsible in the process. No matter if a leader’s power is positional or personal, authentic leadership focuses on doing what is ethically right, and highly empathetic.
