AUTHENTIC LEADERSHIP

What does it mean to lead authentically?
Leading authentically means staying true to your values, following your passions and maintaining integrity and transparency. 

Recognize the Value of Transparency
I find that at times this is a struggle for some leaders.  Too much information is kept from those that "make things happen" who we know are your employees.  Some of the most important pieces of communication held from employees are strategic initiatives.  Adults need the "whole picture" to see how their contribution completes the "picture".  Work becomes much more meaningful and performance much improved when employees are engaged consistently.

Role Model integrity and being "who you really are
We are people first. Being who we are makes others naturally more comfortable relating to us. We are vulnerable as people and need to show that side of us  from time to time. Leaders are not perfect, nor should they be expected to know everything, making it imperative to utilize the expertise and wisdom of those around you. 

Be Open to Change
Effective leaders are strong active listeners.  They value employees and show it through their regular interaction and inclusion of them when making decisions that will directly effect their work.  Leadership becomes much easier when you realize that you need to have employees engaged and involved in order to optimize performance, implement meaningful change and obtain respect as a leader.  Be open to change, your way isn't necessarily the "only" or even "best" way.

Be open to constructive criticism
We all have something to teach but we ALL have even more to learn!  Have the courage to admit when you're wrong and seek to learn from others at all levels!

Reach people where they are
Making the effort and taking the time to truly understand what makes your staff motivated to be their best is time well spent.  In order to optimize employee creativity, we need to challenge them with resolving issues they encounter.  They know their work best, let them find solutions to improve.

Focus on one of the most key roles of leadership....performance management
There is no more important role for any leader than to continually focus on employee performance, meeting their needs, mentoring, providing training and most importantly providing regular feedback.  Providing employees with a meaningful performance evaluation is one of the most important and valued "tasks" leaders at all levels have as an essential function of their positions.  Please don't say you don't have time to effectively handle this primary role you possess for your organization.

Effective leaders motivate, inspire and capture imaginations of their staff!

Developing as a leader takes desire to change, to improve, to learn, to be sincere and honest about who you are as a person.  "Think of leadership development as trying on possible selves rather than working on yourself, which let's face it, sounds like drudgery.   Being open to new possibilities isn't being fake, it's a way to figure out what's right for new circumstances. This requires a playful attitude and learning from others' leadership methods."Herminia Ibarra


JBM's CONSULTING SERVICES


Most of my time with clients is spent focusing on improving leadership style and engaging employees to optimize performance, to work most effectively and efficiently, improve team work dynamics and most of all, understanding the importance of nurturing good interpersonal relationships!  All are key to becoming an organization of "excellence".