Get Real! Walk the Walk and Talk the Talk
Posted by: jhersey in Behavior, Clarity, Coaching, Emotion, Energy, Enjoyment, Focus, LeadershipA true leader thinks and feels as he says and does, or as a great leadership speaker once said: “Authenticity occurs when the head and the heart meet at the lips, true leadership takes place when what we think and what we feel is congruent with what we say and do.”
We’ve most certainly heard about it and sadly, many of us have seen it happen: a “leader” having a custom-made desk installed in his office the same week he is laying off employees, and he even has the nerve to ask the personnel that is left to accept more responsibility in view of the staff shortage and to save money.
Can you see the huge conflict this “leader’s” message expresses? It is such poor behavior coming from the company’s top levels. Obviously, this person was passionate about cutting back expenses that affected everyone but him.
When something like this happens, when the messages from the organization’s “leaders” are so clearly opposite to their actions, the only possible outcome is a culture of distrust, one where fear rules and that chokes the employees’ “can do” attitude.
This kind of paradoxical leadership creates a spread of dreary behavior and resentfulness that disintegrates a company from the inside out.
Every company leader and CEO should wear a certified badge of authenticity with the legend: “I say what I mean and act as I say.” And to be able to deserve this badge and kiss the corporate lack of authenticity goodbye, you, as a leader must:
- Believe in truthfulness. Does the annual report describe the company you run? Is your company true to what is said about it in articles, internal communications, and description at company meetings and events? If not, set the record straight and show your authenticity.
- Have vision. Do you communicate a vision that your employees don’t support? Do you reward behaviors that are in conflict with the culture you desire for the company?
- Handle inconsistency. Even more, when an inconsistency is identified, do you take action in a prompt, honest, and clear manner to correct the detrimental message that was set loose?
Leadership authenticity is about being authentic, trustworthy, and genuine. Being authentic is about knowing and being true to who you are, not who you pretend to be. Sadly, many “leaders” have been playing the role for so long that they have no idea who they really are.
If you are driven by percentages, maybe this will convince you: 40% of corporate leaders would change careers if they could keep their current income level. Maybe they are tired of not being true to themselves or of being forced by a job or culture to be someone they’re not.
The reality is that if you wish to be a winner in the long run, you must be authentic. So, get real!
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