Answers To How To Become An Authentic Leader In Management

Answers To How To Become An Authentic Leader In Management

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In a discussion of how to become an authentic leader when in a management position, there is more to consider than the authority bestowed by the position. To be an authentic leader, or an effective leader, a manager needs understanding of the job and of the people in the department. There must also be a double commitment: to the job and to the workers.

It is important that a manager understands the job in all its aspects, in order to win the respect of the employees who actually get the job done. If the job is new (the manager has been hired for personnel skills rather than having come up in the department) then it will be necessary to take the time to learn the job before many changes are implemented. Senior staff members should be good sources of information, and the new manager can get to know the staff while learning the ropes.

There will come a time when improvements and new procedures may need to be implemented. It is wise to explain the reasons that new policies may be introduced to the staff. Letting all the department personnel know that customer service scores are low, for instance, will help if new phone etiquette is to be introduced, or a new emphasis is placed on certain procedures.

It will sometimes be necessary to terminate the employment of an individual, but this is a failure of leadership as much as it is of job performance. The manager should examine the situation to see what went wrong or failed to happen, so that future situations may have a happier outcome.

Impartiality is absolutely basic to successful leadership, and this is an area where many managers fall short of the attitude that should 'come with the territory'. A person who cannot judge all workers with the same criteria will not be able to defend decisions even when they are right. Nothing harms a department more than favoritism that comes from the top. Furthermore, it is totally unprofessional and an unnecessary complication to the success of all concerned. Favored employees will not need to do their best and slighted ones may suffer from low morale and resentment.

Another mistake that some people make is entering a new position with preconceived goals and personnel changes. 'Bringing your own people on board' is such an inappropriate step that some think it should be illegal. A manager who brings in an outsider for a position that has been held satisfactorily by another employee is forfeiting the loyalty of the entire existing staff. A manager who does not have the staff's best interests at heart will never be an authentic leader of those people.

Having a passion for the job to be done and being able to communicate that passion to staff who are all aware that job performance and attitude can earn their just reward, is the foundation of a well-run department. The satisfactory performance numbers will rise, workers who want to do a good job will be happy, and the work will be done well. The manager will stand out as a good leader, will have the support of the staff, and will be able to make improvements in a way that no one will perceive as threatening.

How to be an authentic leader is very like how to be an authentic person: work hard, deal honestly, and give credit where credit is due.

About the Author:
Authentic leadership is a characteristic that not everyone is born with, but it can be taught. If you want to take part in business life coaching, you can practice the methods and techniques for true leadership.



Article Originally Published On: http://www.articlesnatch.com


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