There are four core components of authentic leadership: self-awareness, internalized moral perspective, balanced processing and relational transparency.

Intrapersonal, Interpersonal, Developmental. What are the three perspectives of the definition of authentic leadership? Intrapersonal Perspective. This perspective of Authentic Leadership definition focuses closely on the leader and what goes on within the leader.

(2008) determined that authentic leadership emphasizes positive psychological capacities and ethical climate, self-awareness, moral strength, and transparency with followers. – The practical approach was developed from training and development literature and real-life experience.

According to a study in the Leadership & Organization Development Journal, employees’ perception of authentic leadership serves as the strongest predictor of job satisfaction and can have a positive impact on work-related attitudes and happiness.

Some have suggested authentic leadership need not include a moral component. Others reject the idea that a leader can truly exhibit the other components of the construct – self-awareness, relational transparency, and balanced processing – without the moral maturity associated with a positive personal value system.

Authentic leadership can be learned with one caveat. Leaders can learn self awareness, they can learn how to be analytical and to trust other’s opinions when making decisions. Above all, to be effective, a leader must have the trust of their followers.

Whether you are seeking to build authentic leaders across your organization, within your team or within yourself, these four tips can help set the tone:

1. Promote Self-Awareness.
2. Work Through Strengths to Address Challenges.
3. Appreciate Cognitive Diversity.
4. Encourage Empathy.

It’s the real thing—the attribute that uniquely defines great leaders. But while the expression of an authentic self is necessary for great leadership, the concept of authenticity is often misunderstood, not least by leaders themselves.

Richard Branson’s leadership is often characterised as authentic leadership. He is responsive to people’s needs and values. He is transparent, morally grounded and eager to receive comments from others. He involves others in his work and often consults.

Bill George

Authenticity Means:

1. Speaking your opinions honestly in a healthy way.
2. Making decisions that align with your values and beliefs.
3. Pursuing your passions.
4. Listening to the inner voice guiding you forward.
5. Allowing yourself to be vulnerable and open-hearted.
6. Setting boundaries and walking away from toxic situations.

In comparison with authentic leaders, who focus on self-development of themselves and followers, servant leaders emphasize responsibilities to the organization, to its customers, to soci- ety, and to other stakeholders (Ehrhart, 2004; Walumbwa, Hartnell, & Oke, 2010).

The Servant Leaders is servant first…it begins with the natural feeling that one wants to serve, to serve first. Authentic leadership is emerging in response to societal demands for genuine, trust-worthy, and good leadership (Northhouse, 2016, p. 222).