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Authentic’!
just another buzzword, trendy or trite expression!
You wouldn’t be alone in thinking that, but I am pleased to say once we delve deeper, we find there is more to "leadership" than just a word. Its real!
Here are 6 Ways how you can become a more authentic leader!
The idea leaders should be authentic isn’t new but the term ‘authentic leadership’ has come into the spotlight since being coined by Bill George in his 2003 book, Authentic Leadership.
And it’s a leadership style that has become relevant in today’s more complex and global interconnected Business environment, along with changed industrial relations expectations. Meaningful workplace relationships are the key to successful outcomes. Happy people, happy workplace, greater productivity. If you are a Business owner who doesn’t want that.
Let's start by identifying and understanding what it is, what are the characteristics, impact and benefits of authentic leadership.
Definition:
Authentic leadership is a management style where leaders are genuine, sincere and true to themselves, their core values and beliefs. It’s about being honest and reliable at all times, acting in the best interests of all.
Characteristics:
- Genuineness, modesty and humility – a leader acknowledges their learnings and is courageous in sharing their journey
- Integrity – makes decisions made on principles
- Self-awareness – understands themselves, their relationships with others and is willing to undertake self-improvement, adaptation and growth.
- Transparency – open communication, open about their thoughts and feelings, sharing personal experiences and stories to create a connection that builds trust.
- Vulnerability – they embrace vulnerability as a way to foster trust and growth but know when and how to maintain professional boundaries.
- Empathy – having an understanding of other’s feelings. Stand in their shoes.
- Ethics – embraces high standards, follows a strong moral code of right and wrong.
- Results focused – creates a vision for the future and inspires, motivates others to see it.
Benefits:
- Authentic leaders inspire loyalty, trust and strong performance from their employees.
- Employees are more likely to be job-satisfied, engaged and motivated.
- Leaders who embody authenticity have the ability to create safe supportive workplaces and a culture that boosts team performance and happiness.
- They create a collaborative and create work environment through open, honest relationships.
There is more, check our Blog,
6 Ways to Become a More Authentic Leader
Adopt these 6 Ways to Become a More Authentic Leader
- Review your leadership image – this involves self-assessment and exploring what behavioural changes can be made to build your authenticity. Rethink, redefine, revise but stay true to yourself. Make decisions based on your ethics, values and personality, be genuine, this isn’t about creating a false image.
- Enhance your self-awareness – this is understanding how your habits, personability and communication skills impact your interactions with others. Consider how others perceive your behaviours, words and actions. Positively, or negatively! Seek feedback to gain insight and reflect on how you might change your approach.
- Assess your likes, dislikes and values – This is about setting goals that are aligned with your values. By establishing your likes, dislikes, strengths, weaknesses and values you can better comprehend how aligned your behaviours are with your ethics. Know what is important to you now, and if or what you are prepared to change or not.
Success is a personal experience that can mean and look different for everyone depending on their values and goals.
Cambridge dictionary defines; ‘The achieving of the results wanted or hoped for’. Or expressed as; ‘True success means staying true to a deeper sense of purpose, despite deviating from a superficial social norm. It means having the courage to peruse one's own journey when confronted by the fear of uncertainty.’
What are your thoughts! How do you define success!
Do you relate to these components?
- Feeling of accomplishment
- Financial stability
- Personal fulfilment
- Social recognition
- Professional achievement
- Making a positive difference
- Enjoying your work
- Treating others with respect
To reiterate, ‘Success – What Does it Mean and Look like to You!’
Have you achieved what you want, fame, fortune! Yes, congratulations!
Or are you still searching, wishing and hoping. If that’s you, don’t delay, understand what success looks and feels like for you and take the necessary steps to achieve it.
Here are 7 Tips for defining success and setting goals:
- Reflect on your values: Consider your values and how they align with your personal and professional aspirations.
Let’s embrace 2025 with a warm welcoming,
‘Hello New Year, Hello to New Beginnings’!
It’s a powerful phrase, creating images, ideas, and thoughts offering ways to create a better, brighter future. And who doesn’t want that!
Do you believe in the power of making a fresh start?
If you answered yes, most likely you are already planning, expressing hopes and promises to make changes for a better you and a better coming year.
But if you are still pondering consider this Guide,
Starting Afresh 6 Steps to achieve the outcomes you desire.
- Letting go of the past, looking back with no ‘what ifs’ or regrets..
- Positive Reflection, learning from previous experiences. What worked, what didn’t. Know your strengths and weaknesses, consider areas for improvement.
- Be open to change. Embrace, be willing to challenge your beliefs and perspectives, see new opportunities; consider other’s viewpoints, ask questions,
- Embracing development and growth. Adopt a growth mindset and belief you can grow through effort and continuous learning. Learn from mistakes; take on new challenges.
- Embarking on a new journey. Set goals that challenge you and provide a sense of purpose and direction. Step outside your comfort zone and embrace new experiences.
- Going forward, add a positive mindset and you are on your way to starting afresh!
Shout it out, ‘hello New Year, Hello New Beginnings’.
Quotes to inspire us: ‘The beginning is the most important part of the work’ – Plato
‘The magic in new beginnings is truly the most powerful of them all’ - Josiyah Martin.
Simply said,
- embracing new beginnings gives us the opportunity to draw a line that mentally separates the past from the future.
- By stepping back, reflecting and taking a broader view allows us to picture the ‘new’ that lies ahead.
- It's exploring new opportunities, new visions and versions of ourselves, both personal and Business aspirations and goals.
‘Tis the season to be jolly’, and ‘it's the most wonderful time of the year’!
Yes, it is!
But after the festive celebrations, if you have overindulged, you now might be singing a different tune. With the ease of buy today, pay later, choose, click, collect, are you humming ‘Singing the Blues’!
If that’s you, you won't be alone. Many Australians are reported as facing Christmas holiday debt that can take months, years to pay off.
With the magic of Christmas spirit it’s easy to be caught up in the euphoria and excitement of festivities and with the joy of giving gifts we get carried away. Tapping a credit card or taking up bargain offers too good to refuse, along with celebrations, parties and outings that all have a cost.
Yes, unfortunately, spending overindulgence does come at a price! It all adds up to a debt hangover. Sound familiar? You find yourself struggling to make ends meet, and it’s overwhelming, causing strain on your health, wallet and often relationships.
With the arrival of bills, particularly those highlighting accounts outstanding, now due, ‘pay to avoid legal action’ it’s time to find solutions for dealing with your Debt hangover.
And in a time of cost-of-living pressures getting on top of your finances is a positive step forward. Consider the following;
Here are 5 tips to guide you.
- Get help if needed: Feeling overwhelmed, need advice, contact a professional financial advisor. They have the expertise to guide and support you. Don’t wait until Debt collectors are knocking on your door.
- Consolidate your debts: if you are juggling multiple accounts, debts, consolidation may be an option. For example, with several credit cards there might be the opportunity to move balances into one. Speak with your providers to see what deals are on offer.
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