A511.7.3 - Inner Work for Authentic Leadership

One of the newest areas of leadership research has focused on leadership being real and genuine (Northouse, 2016). The need for authentic leaders has increased as people, in general, feel less secure about what is going on in the world. Increased connectedness through mobile devices, and a 24-hour news cycle provide ways for people to be aware of the world around them.  However, it also seems that greater awareness increases people’s anxiety and reduces their ability to trust their leaders (Davey, 2012).

Northouse (2016) stated that “authentic leaders have a genuine desire to serve others, they know themselves, and they feel free to lead from their core values” (p. 197).  Authentic leaders understand their purpose, they have strong ethical values, they build trusting relationships, are self-disciplined, and passionate about their mission (Northouse, 2016).  Bill George, the developer of the authentic leadership approach, suggested that for an individual to become an authentic leader he or she must find True North.  George (2007) stated that

True North is the internal compass that guides you successfully through life.  It represents who you are as a human being at the deepest level. It is your orienting point — your fixed point in a spinning world — that helps you stay on track as a leader.  Your True North is based on what is most important to you, your most cherished values, your passions and motivations, the sources of satisfaction in your life (p. 2).

George (2012) further suggested that True North is discovered by having real world experiences, by reflecting upon those experiences, and by seeking honest feedback from an individual with whom a close personal relationship is shared.  He also indicated that just having real world experience is not enough to cause an individual to discover True North (George, 2012). If the experience is not processed and reflected upon, than individuals are prone to repeat the same mistakes.  

Similar to George, Northouse (2016) attributed the importance of real-world experiences, which he terms critical life events, to authentic leadership.  Critical life events can be either negative or positive experiences, such as having a child or having a loved one die.  Critical life events become a turning point, a “catalyst for change” (Northouse, 2016, p. 205). “Critical life events also stimulate growth in individuals and help them become stronger leaders” (Northouse, 2016, p. 205).

One critical life event that changed my life happened to me when I was twelve years old.  It was eighth grade, my first year of public school. Before that time I had been homeschooled.  Each of my older siblings had followed the same path; homeschool through seventh grade, and public school entering into the eighth grade.  The first week of public school was very difficult for me; it was hard being away from home and having to face the challenges of the real world on my own.  I was overwhelmed by the social interactions, and I felt uncomfortable around such large groups and especially speaking in front of a class or when called upon to answer a question.  I remember discussing with my parents how difficult and overwhelming the experience was for me. They were able to provide the honest feedback that George (2012) indicates is so critical.  Additionally, they reminded me of the importance of prayer in difficult circumstances. Throughout my childhood they had taught me that daily prayer provides the opportunity for self-reflection and to ask for help from above. Despite the challenges and the emotions I was experiencing, I did not want to quit! I knew I could overcome the challenges. I remember on about the third or fourth day of public school, walking to the bus stop, fighting back tears and feelings of homesickness and inadequacy, and telling myself out loud that I could do it!  And I did! By the end of the first week I felt better about school. By the end of the second week I started making new friends. Within a couple months public school felt completely natural. Within a year or two I had completely adapted. I remember near the end of ninth grade telling someone about my early education and homeschooling; I clearly remember him telling me “you don’t seem like a homeschool kid!”

I believe this experience profoundly affected the rest of my life.  I established a pattern for overcoming challenges, a skill that has helped me to be a better leader.  I learned what my True North was as I faced the conflict between the ethics and morals my parents had taught me, and what I heard others talk about throughout the day at school.  The importance and power of daily prayer was affixed in my mind; a habit that I continue to this day. My mother has since passed away, but I still speak openly with my Dad about challenges that I am facing.  He acts as a voice of reason when I am not seeing clearly. Additionally, my wife helps keep me centered and see through the challenges of a multifaceted decision.

As George (2012) said, inner work must be performed in order to determine True North.  Although uncomfortable at times as we reflect on our real-world experiences and get feedback from trusted individuals, the work involved is worth the effort expended.

References

Davey, G.C.L. (2012). The psychological effects of TV news. Psychologytoday.com. Retrieved from  https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/why-we-worry/201206/the-psychological-effects-tv-news

George, B. (2007). Book excerpt: “True North.” PBS.org. Retrieved from http://www.pbs.org/now/shows/311/true-north.html

George, B. (2012, November 1). Harvard's Bill George: Inner work for authentic leadership [Video file]. Retrieved from https://youtu.be/SmPu2LQ84ts

Northouse, P.G. (2016). Leadership Theory and Practice (7th ed.). Los Angeles, CA: Sage.