Authentic Leadership: Embracing Leadership in Our Everyday Lives
In today’s world, many think of leadership as something that is confined to the workplace. However, authentic leadership goes beyond these constraints and should become an intrinsic part of who we are. When we view leadership as merely a role we play at work, we fail to grasp its full significance. Authentic leadership isn’t something we are able to turn on and off like a switch; it should be ingrained in our identity, our values, and our way of life. Attempting to compartmentalize leadership solely within our professional spheres diminishes its authenticity and limits our potential for growth.
Whether we’re interacting with colleagues, friends, family, or strangers, we have the opportunity to make a positive impact and lead by example. By extending leadership beyond the workplace, we infuse it into our interactions and relationships, enriching both our personal and professional lives. Instead of seeing leadership as a separate entity, we should integrate its principles into our everyday thoughts, actions, and decision-making processes. Over time, what once required conscious effort becomes second nature, transforming leadership into an inherent aspect of who we are.
This holistic approach to leadership not only enhances our professional effectiveness but also fosters deeper connections and meaningful relationships. By prioritizing empathy, integrity, and purpose in all our endeavors, we create a ripple effect that extends far beyond the confines of our immediate environment.
Keep in mind, that I am not suggestion that you return home dictating to your significant other, “I’m the leader of this household, so you must do as I say,” as that doesn’t exemplify genuine leadership and probably wouldn’t be the best of ideas. Instead, I’m emphasizing the importance of demonstrating empathy, integrity, purposefulness in our pursuits, and genuinely listening to others.
With this in mind, I would like to share a more personal story, one about my oldest daughter.
When my oldest daughter was six years old, she expressed an interest in martial arts however she wanted me to do it with her. I agreed, and with that, we began a remarkable ten-year journey that we truly shared together and one that I will treasure for the rest of my life. However, this journey was not without its fair share of challenges, the most significant of which occurred during our initial attempt at earning our First-Degree Black Belts.
At just eight years old, my daughter was immensely confident and excited as she prepared for her First Black Belt test. Having never faced failure in previous tests, she was very sure of herself and confident that she would earn her Black Belt. However, I realized that she was struggling with certain aspects, especially board breaking, despite her insistence that everything was well in hand.
Regrettably, she did not succeed in breaking her boards during the test, and that night was filled with tears, which broke my heart. She insisted that she never wanted to go back to martial arts.
Faced with this challenging moment, I had several options. I could have reminded her that we had already paid for the year, and she couldn’t just drop out. I could have sternly insisted that she was not quitting. I could have even said OK thereby reinforcing her simply giving up in the face of adversity. Instead, I chose to grant her the power of choice. I explained that she had two options: if she didn’t want to continue, I would accept my black belt, and we would explore another activity together. However, I also cautioned her that she would probably later regret this decision, and if she decided to return, I would decline my black belt and wait for her to retest in two months, so we could get our Black Belts together.
The next day, she informed me that she decided to go back to martial arts, but with one condition: she wanted us to exercise and get stronger every day. Initially, I thought it might be a passing phase, lasting only a few days. Yet, come rain or shine, for the next two months, we did a daily regimen of bike rides, walking, or running. It was evident that she was a young person on a mission.
By not imposing a decision upon her, I allowed her to take ownership of her chosen path thereby giving it a greater chance of success. Her determination paid off, and two months later, she earned her First-Degree Black Belt. Today, I am so proud to say that she is a Fourth Degree Black Belt and a martial arts instructor, a testament to her determination and commitment.
Both in our personal and professional lives, leadership should revolve around guiding the individuals under our care. While there may be moments when we must provide clear directives on what needs to be done and how it should be accomplished, these instances should be the exception rather than the rule. Our primary aim should be to empower our team members, ensuring they have a meaningful voice and influence on the decision-making process. This approach not only fosters a sense of ownership in the projects but also significantly contributes to their success.
In conclusion, authentic leadership is not something that should be confined to the office — it’s a way of life. By embracing leadership as an integral part of our identity and integrating its principles into our everyday interactions, we unlock our full potential as leaders and enrich our personal and professional relationships. Let us strive to embody authenticity and make a positive impact, both within our professional and personal roles.
I have written several books on leadership, software development, and robotics, drawing upon nearly three decades of experience in the tech industry as both an engineer and a leader. However, my most cherished role is being a dad. I enjoy anything that keeps me active, especially running, hiking, paddle boarding, and yoga. You can follow me on X (Twitter), BlueSky, and Medium.
If you enjoy my articles, please check out my book on Amazon: Foundations of Effective Leadership
