At every level of our society—personal, institutional, political, and cultural—strong leadership is needed across the board.
Perspectives differ on what effective leadership is, but the question to ask is rather, what makes an authentic leader?
Authentic leadership differs from mainstream approaches to leadership in that rather than solely focusing on results and authority, authentic leaders prioritize being genuine, aligning their actions with their beliefs, actively listening to others, and maintaining ethical standards above simply achieving objectives.
Defining Authentic Leadership
Authentic leadership is characterized by honesty, integrity, and an overall concern for the well-being of a team. This leadership style is built on the foundation of trust, and open communication, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness, transparency, and ethical behavior in leaders.
Authentic leaders lead by example and cultivate an inclusive and equity-driven environment where all voices are acknowledged and respected. Leaders practicing authenticity are introspective and cognizant of their influence on others, consider diverse viewpoints impartially, and prioritize fairness in decision-making.
Distinguishing Leadership vs Management
Though often used interchangeably, leadership and management are two distinct concepts. Management is the mainstream conceptualization of the phenomenon of leadership, but although complementary, the two concepts address different needs.
Management is a vertical approach based on position, with power accumulated at the top of the hierarchy. Leadership is a relational disposition based on legitimacy, credibility, and trust.
Benefits of Studying Authentic Leadership
Authentic leadership involves confronting and deconstructing cultural conceptions of leadership and re-establishing a new framework within which human beings work together to create value and achieve goals. Below are four benefits of studying authentic leadership.
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Learn how to foster ethical cultures: Understanding authentic leadership can help reshape cultures to be more ethical and transparent. In a world where accountability is increasingly under the spotlight, knowing how to lead with integrity not only sets a positive example but encourages others to act with honesty and responsibility. This emphasis on ethical behavior promotes trust and reliability within organizations.
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Improves self-awareness: One of the core components of authentic leadership is self-awareness. By studying this leadership style, individuals can gain deeper insights into their values, strengths, and areas for improvement. This heightened self-awareness enables leaders to navigate challenges with greater clarity and purpose, making decisions that align with their authentic selves and the collective good of their teams and organizations.
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Enhances relationships: Authentic leadership emphasizes genuine, trustworthy relationships between leaders and their teams. Learning about this style of leadership equips you with the tools to create more open, supportive, and communicative environments.
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Promotes inclusivity: At its core, authentic leadership values diversity and inclusivity, recognizing the strength that comes from varied perspectives and backgrounds. By studying authentic leadership, future leaders can learn how to create spaces where everyone feels empowered to contribute their best work. This not only fosters innovation and creativity but also ensures that organizations are more reflective of and responsive to the diverse societies they serve.
Discover Your Authentic Leadership Style at SOLES at USD SOLES
In the USD SOLES Master’s in Leadership Studies program, we embrace authentic leadership understanding that this participatory and transparent way of conceptualizing leadership is the path to true change.
Discover more about how the MA in Leadership Studies at the University of San Diego equips leaders for change through the lens of equity-driven leadership. Schedule a meeting with our Admissions and Outreach team to learn more.
View our comprehensive guide and discover how a Master's in Leadership Studies can transform your personal and professional life.
