What Is Genuine Leadership?

There are many references to real or true leaders, but what exactly are the components of genuine leadership? Being a genuine leader means far more than merely being a leader or even being an authentic leader. Genuine leadership is a combination of all the needed positive traits and qualities of real or true leaders, a sense of authenticity, having the self - confidence and ability to expose one's frailties and weaknesses as one's strengths and assets, having a genuine well - intentioned passion for what he is doing (and knowing why he is motivated to do so), caring for the organization's mission and what it means, the desire to provide value to others, true and unyielding commitment, absolute integrity, and a vital vision that kindles a never - ending desire to go beyond the ordinary to strive to be extraordinary. Genuine leaders never settle, and never run away from an issue when others are afraid or unwilling to address it.

1. A genuine leader behaves the same as a leader that he does under all other circumstances. One cannot turn on and off the genuine button, but must adhere to a strict code of behaving, saying, and otherwise communicating a genuine message to others that portrays how one really feels. In order to be genuine, you must be yourself under all conditions, situations and circumstances. There is never any place for phoniness, pretense, or less than full disclosure. This type of leader communicates his true thoughts, ideas and concerns to others, and has a real feeling and caring for the needs, and well being of all his constituents. He never lets any type of personal agenda or self enhancement enter into his thought processes, and dedicates himself to fully address any and all issues that do, or may impact his group.

2. One can't be this type of leader unless his personal vision is so personally motivating and essential that it propels him constantly and relentlessly forward. He never permits himself to settle, or to compromise his ideals. He effectively listens, and truly cares what others say, although he must be willing to address issues directly and never simply agree. He must always keep his word, both to himself as well as to others, never forgetting the reason that his leadership is needed. He understands that leaders serve others, and are not there to be served by others. He must be thick skinned, and must not be easily offended by criticism or complaints. A genuine leader places what is important and meaningful ahead of gratifying his ego!

Every organization should strive to attract genuine leaders. Although these individuals are rare, when a group is fortunate enough to find one, he should be cherished as a rare treasure.