When we hear the term “authentic leadership”, most of us have some idea of what it means but may still be somewhat uncertain about what it is. Defined according to its existential psychology roots, authenticity is the degree to which one is true to one’s own personality, spirit, or character, despite external pressures. Building on this definition and applying it to the leadership context in her chapter on leading authentically in the book, Enlightened Power, How Women are Transforming the Practice of Leadership, Tricia Naddaff, president of Management Research Group (MRG), points out that knowing who we are and expressing who we are with integrity, rather than trying to be someone else, has come to be called authentic leadership. And, according to MRG research, there is evidence of a real link between authenticity and increased leadership effectiveness. MRG research also determined there were gender differences and similarities in both parts of authenticity: knowing oneself and expressing oneself.

In our March Women’s Leadership Roundtable, we’ll discuss the characteristics of authentic leaders, explore potential challenges and opportunities, and identify some strategies for women to use when seeking to lead authentically.

Share your comments and thoughts below.

Don’t miss the March Women’s Leadership Roundtable!

Date and Time: March 15, 2013 from 11:30 am to 1:00 pm

Topic: Authentic Leadership