Aug
04
2016
Leading with authenticity
By Hilary Carty.
There’s a great buzz in leadership circles about ‘authenticity’ – a further pinnacle towards which leaders can strive. We instinctively appreciate authenticity – when that distinctive chime of integrity and honesty ring out loud and clear. But how do we achieve it – for ourselves and with others?
Our focus on the ‘Learning Organisation’ drives our ambition to build and encourage a talented workforce. But we want that workforce to be led by enthusiastic leaders who drive forward the mission, instil core values, champion, motivate and inspire. Authenticity provides clear options for the individual leader – but how is this rationalised for the organisation as a whole. And if, as leaders, we are all busy being authentic, who is looking after ‘the bottom line?’
These are some of the questions I asked when developing a new course for the Centre on Leading with authenticity. Having worked with leadership theory and practice for several years I was keen to find that discrete cocktail of ingredients that would genuinely drive towards a healthy appreciation of authenticity. However, I did not want this new course to not seem so ‘high-faulting’ and rarefied that it has no meaning for the pragmatic realities of leading in the 21st Century.
So the course will include:
- a review of contemporary leadership theories and styles – and their impact
- understanding organisational culture and its impact on behaviours
- appreciating values-based leadership
- assessing the personal characteristics and values that define your own authenticity
- developing effective personal narratives through story-telling
- developing strategies to increase your impact and effectiveness as a leader
- exploring the skills and perspectives needed for adaptive leadership - leading amidst uncertainty.
A key challenge in achieving authenticity is to really understand who you are. But you have also to work equally hard at building a shared vision – one that inspires and motivates both yourself and others. It is challenging – but it is also rewarding and fulfilling.
Join us for our next workshop to explore more around Leading with authenticity.
Call a member of our team on 020 7490 3030 to find out more.
Hilary Carty’s career demonstrates a successful record of senior level management and leadership in the arts and cultural industries including Director, London (Arts) at Arts Council England. Prior to working as an independent consultant, Hilary was the Director of the Cultural Leadership Programme, a £22m government investment in excellence in leadership within the UK cultural and creative industries.