A Reflection on Authentic Leadership

I recently went to an amateur theatre production of Sweeney Todd, and one of the actors was required to play four different characters. Initially, I was a bit sceptical, wondering how the same individual could play four different characters convincingly, and would I, as an audience member, be looking at the individual thinking, “ Oh, that’s just the same guy playing a different character”?  What I was really pleased to note was that each character was very different. I found myself engaging wholeheartedly with each character, rather than seeing the actor behind it.

At the end of the production, I approached the actor and asked him, “How did you manage to carry off so many different personalities so convincingly?” And he said, “It needs to come from a place of deep purpose and conviction.”

As I drove home, I realised this was a great analogy  for leadership.  As a facilitator, I often get asked, “How can I adapt to meet the needs of different people and still be authentic?” 

Leaders are not actors. However, they can learn to know themselves well enough to adapt their style and be flexible with different people in a way that fosters connection and engagement. Coming from a place of purpose and conviction, and using positive intent in interactions with others to create comfort, is not manipulative; it is simply building an opportunity for leaders to establish relationships of trust.

This is how leaders can behave differently with different people and still remain genuine and authentic in their leadership practice.

Ready to discover your authentic leadership range?

Just like that skilled actor who brought four distinct characters to life through deep purpose and conviction, you can learn to adapt your leadership style while staying true to who you are. The key is to develop self-awareness and flexibility to connect meaningfully with every person on your team.

Contact us today for a free consultation on developing authentic leadership. info@people-smart.com.au.