[April 03, 2015] U.S. President Bill Clinton has been often referred to as one of the most authentic leaders of our generation. Whether you liked his politics or not, he just had a way about him that made it seems he was the real deal, a genuine good person who cared about you.
Whether Clinton was in the White House or at a parade honoring someone, he always seem to be able to connect with people. The location or event was not relevant … and that is what an authentic leader is all about. An authentic leader shows themselves to people; all their faults, fears, and weaknesses without being concerned how it will appear.
Many have written about authentic leadership over the past five years and all seem to say the same thing; that a leader must be themselves. True as this is, there is more to being an authentic leader than just being one’s self. Of course, we are talking about leadership so what is it that makes a person not just authentic but also a leader who is authentic?
First, an authentic leader must be mission focused. This means the leader is selfless and committed to their organization and places those who a part of it above themselves. When such a leader makes a mistake, they are quick to admit it openly, apologize if necessary, take corrective action, and then move on. To others, such a leader is like everyone else in that they are seen as human and humans make mistakes.
Second, authentic leaders must have “heart in the game.” They show their passion and they can show their emotions. And yet they show both without fear of how they are seen by anyone. When a leader has heart in the game they are seen as honorable and trustworthy; someone that could be the best among the best. These are desirable traits for all of human history.
I had a good boss who once told me that leadership was mostly about acting; that I could shed the way I acted in front of soldiers once I got home to the family. His idea was that in front of soldiers I was one person and someone different in front of everyone else. My boss was a good and successful officer but he never had what it took to be exceptional at what he did.
I never could reconcile being two different people and have come to realize how important that being who you are, regardless of location or event, is for successful authentic leadership.