Authentic engagement: The first task of genuine leadership

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Honest. Courageous. Resilient. Real. These are some of the things employees look for in a leader with authenticity. As Forbes contributor Margie Warrell pointed out, “people crave authenticity,” which is why the most inspiring and influential leaders are recognized not "because of what they do but because of who they are."

This is something that Emile Haddad, a Seattle, Washington-based business mentor, agrees with. A genuine leader requires more than the usual set of management skills. Genuine leadership calls for authentic engagement which requires "a sense of presence to one’s environment."

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However, the path toward authentic engagement is not an easy road to take. Leaders need to be vulnerable in order to "get real," something that is not innate for most people as it goes against self-preservation. Leaders need to embrace their individuality without alienating those around them. They must learn to listen not only to their own ideas but to those they work with as well.

All leaders “have the capacity to inspire and empower others,” wrote George, et al. in the article Discovering Your Authentic Leadership published in the Harvard Business Review. However, they must be willing to devote time to personal growth and development to be genuine leaders. Unlocking the power of authenticity may be a tough task to accomplish for some, but those who are able to do so will foster a working environment where innovation, transparency, and enthusiasm thrive.

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