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š§How to be an Authentic Leader
Research shows that people tend to go above and beyond in organizations led by authentic leaders, demonstrating extra-role behaviors that benefit their team and organization.
Good Day, and welcome to The Growth Compass. We are that extra dose of coffee throughout your Thanksgiving day that helps you fight off the tryptophan and manage time with your family with energy and vigor.
Hereās where weāre headed today:
John Maxwell on authentic leadership
Why being authentic matters
The amazing story of Jaime Escalante from Stand and Deliver
Simon Sinek, Adam Grant, and others on authenticity
John Maxwell on Authentic Leadership
"People buy into the leader before they buy into the vision."
- John Maxwell

Why Being Authentic Matters

What is Authentic Leadership: It is when leaders are true to themselves and their values, and they lead with conviction and consistency. Authentic leadership is a leadership style rooted in self-awareness and genuineness. This approach emphasizes transparency, ethics, and a strong sense of empathy and understanding towards others.
Why Authentic Leadership Matters: Authentic leadership matters because it fosters trust and respect between leaders and their teams. It creates a more open and honest work environment. Authentic leadership encourages genuine connections, making it easier to engage and motivate team members. Authentic leaders are seen as more approachable and relatable, which can lead to increased loyalty and a stronger, more cohesive team dynamic.
Authentic leadership:
Builds trust
Improves team engagement
Increases adaptability
Builds relationships
Raises the standard for communication
Raises the standard for culture
What The Science Says:
A number of authentic leadership studies have suggested correlations between authentic leadership and positive follower outcomes, such as commitment, engagement and job satisfaction
Impact on Trust and Workplace Climate: Walumbwa et al. (2008) in the Journal of Management found that authentic leadership is positively related to both job satisfaction and work engagement. This study suggests that when leaders are authentic, they create a more positive work environment, leading to higher levels of employee satisfaction and engagement.
Role in Organizational Citizenship Behavior: Avolio, Walumbwa, & Weber (2009) in The Leadership Quarterly highlighted that authentic leadership is strongly linked to organizational citizenship behavior. Employees tend to go above and beyond their job requirements in organizations led by authentic leaders, demonstrating extra-role behaviors that benefit the organization.
Contribution to Leadership Development: Gardner, Avolio, Luthans, May, & Walumbwa (2005) in The Leadership Quarterly discussed how authentic leadership contributes to the development of future leaders. The study suggests that authentic leadership behaviors can be developed and nurtured, leading to a sustainable leadership pipeline within organizations.
These studies collectively illustrate the profound impact of authentic leadership on various aspects of organizational life, including employee satisfaction, engagement, ethical behavior, and overall organizational effectiveness. But it all stems from trust, connection, and relationship. Authentic leaders behave in a way that makes them approachable and show they truly care.
The Amazing Story of Jaime Escalante

Jaime Escalante, the dynamic Bolivian-born educator, gained widespread recognition through the film "Stand and Deliver," which portrayed his tenure at Garfield High School in East Los Angeles. Escalante became famous for his unconventional teaching methods and his unwavering commitment to his students, many of whom were from underprivileged backgrounds.
He challenged the educational status quo by proving that with the right support and encouragement, all students, regardless of their socio-economic background, could excel in advanced mathematics, particularly calculus. His story is a testament to the transformative power of education and the impact a dedicated teacher can have on the lives of students.
As a leader, Jaime Escalante demonstrated several key qualities of authentic leadership:
Genuine Passion for Teaching: āIf you donāt have the āganasā, I will give it to you because Iām an expert.ā - Jaime Escalante
Escalante would talk about āganasā, which means ādesireā in Spanish. He would enter class with that desire every day and bring it out of his students. His love for teaching and his subject matter was evident in his energetic and engaging teaching style. He genuinely cared about mathematics and wanted his students to not only understand it but also appreciate its value.
Empathy and Understanding: āYou know what kills meā¦itās that they lost confidence in the system theyāre now finally qualified to be a part of. I donāt know why Iām losing sleep over this.ā - Jaime Escalanate
He truly cared and connected with his students on a personal level. He took time understanding their backgrounds and the challenges they faced, and he wanted more for them. This empathy allowed him to tailor his approach to meet their specific needs and circumstances.
High Expectations and Belief in Students: āIf we expect kids to be losers, they will be losers; if we expect them to be winners, they will be winners. They rise, or fall, to the level of the expectations of those around them, especially their parents and their teachers.ā - Jaime Escalanate
Escalante firmly believed in the potential of every student, often pushing them beyond what they thought was possible. He set high standards and provided the support needed to help his students meet these expectations, demonstrating his belief in their abilities and potential.
Iād highly recommend the movie if you have never watched it, great for anyone!
Simon Sinek and Others on Authenticity
Leadership is not a journey to rise in the ranks. Leadership is a journey to help those around us rise.
ā Simon Sinek (@simonsinek)
4:41 PM ⢠Oct 27, 2020
People donāt want perfect leaders, they want authentic leaders.Teach what you live, youāll be authentic!
#jmteamā John C. Maxwell (@TheJohnCMaxwell)
7:06 PM ⢠Mar 16, 2016
7 signs of authentic #leadership
#sketchnote
ā Dr Hayley Lewis (@Haypsych)
3:01 PM ⢠Jan 25, 2022
Be authentic! People donāt want a leader whoās always right; they want a leader whoās always real.
ā Maxwell Leadership (@Maxwell_Leaders)
10:30 PM ⢠Jul 17, 2020
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