Discovering Your Authentic Leadership
As Noted In The Article Discovering Your Authentic Leadership By Geo
As noted in the article “Discovering Your Authentic Leadership” by George, Sims, McLean, and Mayer (2007), “authentic leaders demonstrate a passion for their purpose, practice their values consistently, and lead with their hearts as well as their heads. They establish long-term, meaningful relationships and have the self-discipline to get results. They know who they are” (p. 130). For this assignment, write a brief biography that highlights your experiences in leading others. Include a reflection on how your life story helps you lead effectively. How have these experiences shaped your passion for leadership and your leadership values? Note: Feel free to use first person point of view in this assignment. Remember, you must support your thinking/opinions and prior knowledge with references; all facts must be supported; in-text references used throughout the assignment must be included in an APA-formatted reference list. Include three to five references cited in the assignment. Include at least two peer-reviewed articles as reference sources.
Paper For Above instruction
Leadership is a dynamic and multifaceted process that evolves through an individual’s experiences, values, and personal reflections. My journey into leadership began early in my academic and professional life, shaped significantly by my diverse experiences and the enduring desire to make meaningful contributions to my community. Through reflecting on my personal history, I recognize that authenticity, integrity, and passion are central to my leadership style, aligning with the principles outlined by George et al. (2007) on authentic leadership.
Growing up in a multicultural environment, I learned early the importance of understanding different perspectives and demonstrating empathy. These experiences instilled in me a genuine passion for fostering inclusivity and collaboration. For instance, participating in various community service projects during high school allowed me to develop leadership skills rooted in service and shared purpose. These early experiences taught me that effective leadership involves more than just directing others; it requires authentic engagement, active listening, and living in congruence with one's core values (Walumbwa et al., 2008).
In my professional life, I have assumed roles that demanded strong ethical standards and the ability to motivate teams toward common goals. As a project manager in a nonprofit organization, I encountered challenges that tested my resilience and commitment to my principles. Navigating complex stakeholder relationships and resource constraints demanded discipline, strategic thinking, and emotional intelligence—traits emphasized by Goffee and Jones (2006) as essential for authentic leaders. These experiences strengthened my belief that leading with purpose and integrity fosters trust and long-term loyalty among team members.
My personal story has deeply shaped my leadership philosophy, emphasizing the importance of transparency and authentic relationships. Developing self-awareness through reflective practices, such as journaling and seeking feedback, has enabled me to lead with authenticity. This aligns with the assertion by Avolio and Gardner (2005) that authentic leaders possess a clear understanding of their values and act consistently with them, fostering an environment of trust and psychological safety. Consequently, my passion for leadership is rooted in facilitating growth—not only for myself but also for others—by creating spaces where individuals feel valued and empowered.
Furthermore, my ongoing commitment to professional development through reading scholarly articles and participating in leadership training has enhanced my understanding of authentic leadership. Research by Gardner et al. (2005) underscores the importance of self-awareness, relational transparency, and moral perspective—all qualities I strive to embody. This continuous learning journey has reinforced my dedication to leading with integrity, compassion, and purpose.
In conclusion, my life experiences and personal reflections have profoundly influenced my leadership approach. I view leadership as an authentic endeavor grounded in self-awareness, ethical practice, and a genuine passion for serving others. As I continue to grow both personally and professionally, I aim to uphold these values, fostering trust, collaboration, and meaningful impact within my teams. This journey underscores the essence of authentic leadership—leading from the heart and the head, with a steadfast commitment to purpose and integrity.
References
Avolio, B. J., & Gardner, W. L. (2005). Authentic leadership development: Getting to the root of positive forms of leadership. The Leadership Quarterly, 16(3), 315-338.
Goffee, R., & Jones, G. (2006). Targeting authentic leadership. Harvard Business Review, 84(12), 130-138.
Gardner, W. L., Avolio, B. J., Luthans, F., May, D. R., & Walumbwa, F. (2005). 'Can you see the real me?': A review of the antecedents and outcomes of authentic leadership. Leadership Quarterly, 16(3), 345-368.
Walumbwa, F. O., Avolio, B. J., Gardner, W. L., Wernsing, T. S., & Peterson, S. J. (2008). Authentic leadership: Development and validation of a theory-based measure. Journal of Management, 34(1), 89-126.
George, B., Sims, P., McLean, A. N., & Mayer, D. (2007). Discovering your authentic leadership. Harvard Business Review, 85(2), 129-138.