When developing leadership skills, individuals will often identify leaders with characteristics they wish to emulate. They focus on leadership styles rather than character. Yet regardless of their leadership style or the type of leader they are, it is important that they develop their own persona or authenticity that is consistent with your own personality and character.

Developing your leadership style is something that takes time and hard work. Authentic leaders are not born authentic. They, unlike some that are born with natural talent, must develop themselves into true leaders; ones with passion and compassion.

Developing as a leader means accepting your faults as well as your strengths. When people become too eager to win approval, they may sacrifice their authenticity while trying to mask their weaknesses. Or they might succumb to the pressure to succeed by losing sight of their core values.

In an article on Authentic Leadership, Bill George, a professor of management practice at the Harvard Business School writes about the essential dimensions of all authentic leaders. They are:

1. Understanding Their Purpose: You find your purpose by understanding yourself, your passion and your underlying motivations.

2. Practicing Solid Values: Your values are shaped by your personal beliefs and your experience. Your values define your moral compass; but for sure, integrity is one of the values required of authentic leaders.

3. Leading With Heart: Successful leaders engage the hearts of their employees. It means being open and willing to share as well as taking a genuine interest in them.

4. Establish Close and Enduring Relationships: Developing close and enduring relationships is essential. It lets your employees know you’re interested in their success and are concerned about their careers.

5. Demonstrating Self Discipline: This means demonstrating your values, and when you fall short, admitting your mistakes.

Watching my clients develop their leadership skills is one of the most rewarding parts of my job. They use their natural abilities and work hard at overcoming their shortcomings. They know their values and people know where they stand. They are focused, consistent, self-disciplined and refuse to compromise their principles.

Sometimes it’s like watching an acorn grow into a magnificent oak tree.

Let me know if I can help you or any of your employees develop their leadership skills.