The corporate world in modern times looks for people who can be ‘authentic leaders’. The system necessitates such leadership skills among professionals, as they are the individuals who possibly have an opportunity to make a difference. The youth must realise that it is not sufficient to be an employee, but there has to be a purposeful commitment to shine as qualitative professionals with expertise. This can become a reality if they are able to bring out the leadership qualities that they possess in an appropriate manner.
Authentic leadership in a sense is a real leadership quality that can benefit the individual and their environment in a very progressive way. It is an empowering process that starts from ‘personal leadership’ and spreads on to the area of ‘professional leadership’. A majority of youth will have to be sensitised to this concept of leadership since it can provide an impetus to scale up their career.
I am emphasising this point because of the reason that youngsters these days are self-centred. It is not a crime to pursue individual aims and objectives in life, but at the same time, it is not bad to be socially conscious and let others also have their rightful due. This will actually lead to a win-win situation for the youth and make them more empowered.
As a human resource mentor, I would encourage all the youngsters, particularly those who are about to pursue a career to get themselves acquainted with the concept of authentic leadership and shape their lives accordingly. The following aspects will sum up the ideas related to authentic leadership:
Authentic leadership is being your own powerful self, without any inhibitions. It does not come with any position, designation or with any level of qualification.
Authentic leaders stand up for the truth always and only speak the truth, whatever the circumstances may be.
Giving is the way of life for authentic leaders. They give more than they receive.
An authentic leader is someone who is mentally strong.
