Authentic Leadership Examples: 8 Characteristics of Authentic Leaders

Summary

In this video, Ann Coopman empowers emerging leaders to lead with courage, authenticity, and emotional intelligence. She highlights the benefits of authentic leadership, including better relationships, trust, and a more inclusive culture. Ann outlines key characteristics of authentic leaders, such as self-awareness, transparency, strength-based leadership, and having a moral compass. She emphasizes the importance of creating psychologically safe environments where everyone can thrive. Viewers are encouraged to take a leadership quiz to discover their unique style and start leading with confidence and impact.

Takeaways

• 💡 Authentic leaders empower others by leading with courage, emotional intelligence, and their unique strengths.
• 📝 A quiz is available to help individuals discover their authentic leadership style and how to lead with confidence.
• 🤝 Authentic leadership fosters trust, better relationships, and a positive, inclusive culture in the workplace.
• 🌱 Authentic leaders are committed to personal development and are willing to adapt and change based on self-reflection.
• 👀 Self-awareness, both internal and external, is crucial for authentic leadership, helping leaders understand their emotions and how they are perceived by others.
• 🎯 Knowing one’s values and purpose helps leaders make tough decisions and align their actions with integrity.
• 💪 Authentic leaders embrace their strengths confidently and use them to create impact while acknowledging their weaknesses without fear.
• 🔍 Transparency is key for authentic leaders; they communicate openly and honestly without hidden agendas.
• 🧭 Authentic leaders act with a strong ethical compass, prioritizing the greater good and fostering diversity and inclusion.
• 🚀 Courage is essential for authentic leaders as they step out of their comfort zone to have difficult conversations and drive change.

Q & A

What is the main purpose of Ann Coopman’s video?

The main purpose of the video is to empower emerging leaders to lead with courage, authenticity, emotional intelligence, and strength, so they can bring more of themselves to their leadership roles and lead with confidence and impact.

What does Ann emphasize about authentic leadership?

Ann emphasizes that authentic leadership involves being vulnerable and creating an environment of psychological safety where others feel comfortable being themselves, which leads to trust, stronger relationships, and a more inclusive work culture.

What benefits of authentic leadership are highlighted in the video?

The benefits of authentic leadership mentioned include increased trust, better relationships with colleagues, higher employee engagement, boosted productivity, a positive work environment, and an inclusive culture.

How does self-awareness contribute to authentic leadership?

Self-awareness, both internal and external, is key to authentic leadership. It involves understanding one’s emotional triggers and behaviors (internal) and recognizing how others perceive them (external), allowing leaders to adapt and improve their interactions and leadership style.

Why is having a unique leadership identity important?

A unique leadership identity helps leaders align their actions with their values, guiding them through tough decisions with integrity and purpose. It also gives them clarity on their mission, vision, and motivations.

What does Ann say about leaders embracing their strengths?

Ann emphasizes that authentic leaders embrace their strengths with confidence, using them to create impact, communicate effectively, and boost their own confidence and motivation, without feeling the need to hide weaknesses or wear a 'mask.'

What role does transparency play in authentic leadership?

Transparency is crucial in authentic leadership as it builds trust. Leaders communicate openly about decisions and their reasoning, ensuring there are no hidden agendas, which fosters trust and loyalty among their teams.

How does Ann describe the ethical compass of authentic leaders?

Authentic leaders have a strong ethical compass, acting for the greater good and making decisions that avoid harm. They are committed to diversity and fostering an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive.

Why is courage important for authentic leaders?

Courage is essential for authentic leaders as it pushes them to step outside of their comfort zone, take risks, and have difficult but necessary conversations that drive growth and positive change.

How do authentic leaders create psychologically safe environments?

Authentic leaders create psychologically safe environments by fostering a culture where people are encouraged to be themselves, take risks, and learn from mistakes without fear of shame or judgment.