Summary: Discovering Your Authentic Leadership

In today’s business world , there are several approaches and theories of leadership. This includes leadership approaches based upon a wide range of topics including traits, behavioral, situational, transformational, and other perspectives. Each of these approaches have their own set of advantages and disadvantages, making them best suited for different situations. The leadership theory that has the greatest appeal to me is the transformational leadership theory as it focuses on the greater good of the organization and its followers.

Kinicki and Williams describe transformational leadership as a process that changes “employees to pursue organizational goals over self-interests.” (2016). This type of leadership is built upon trust ,

motivation, and commitment as the followers often view the leaders as a role model and mentor. Unlike leadership styles that solely focus on task and performance, this style requires leaders to view followers as individuals and take into account their strengths. There four key components of transformational leadership which are required for its success(Kinicki & Williams, 2016). The first component of transformational leadership is inspirational motivation (Kinicki & Williams, 2016). This involves leaders actively motivating followers to commit to the pursuit of organizational goals. The second component, idealized influence, is the leader’s appearance as a role model and highly ethical beacon to its followers(Kinicki & Williams, 2016). Individualized consideration, the third component, describes the leader’s act of coaching and provision of challenges to followers that allow them to develop professionally(Kinicki & Williams, 2016). The fourth and final component of transformational leadership is intellectual stimulation. This component is the leaders ability to clearly articulate their vision to followers and motivate innovation (Kinicki & Williams, 2016).

Transformational leadership theory appeals so greatly to me because it can result in achievements for both the organization and all individuals involved. Studies have shown that transformational leadership has led to work environments with motivated employees who are satisfied with their jobs (Mujkic, Sehic, Rahimic, & Jusic,2014). Job satisfaction is a major factor in employee retention and internal growth. This study concluded that transformational leaders are innovators who use creative means to solve problems and take risks to reach dreams without fear (Mujkic, Sehic, Rahimic, & Jusic,2014). Kinicki and Williams states this type of leadership can be taught as an overall philosophy for the entire organization, but requires ethical leaders at the forefront in order to be effective(2016). By gaining the loyalty and commitment of followers , transformational leaders are able to promote an atmosphere of positive change and lead followers to better versions of themselves.

My current position of employment is as a Buyer in the Purchasing department of one of the largest academic hospitals in Alabama. Our role in the hospital is to approve supply orders and ensure the hospital is being charged the correct contracted prices for items. The purchasing department in a portion of the much larger group known as the Supply Chain. In this chain we determine which items are acceptable, bid contract pricing for the items, ensure contract pricing is being charged, and document receipt of all items ordered. Our goal , as a whole, is to ensure the hospital is acquiring supplies as costly effective as possible. If given the opportunity, I would use transformational leadership as a means to motivate employees to grow personally and strive to help the hospital achieve its goal.

My first step in pursuing this type of leadership would be to assess myself and ensure I am an ethical person with the characteristics of a strong, upstanding leader.

An in the Harvard Business Review titled “Discovering Your Authentic Leadership” provides great insight on the completion of this task as it details the necessary components a person must possess in order to develop into an “authentic leader” (George, Sims, McLean, & Mayer, 2007). According to the article, there is not a specific set of traits that an ideal leader possesses (George, Sims, McLean, & Mayer, 2007). “Cookie – cutter leaders” , as the article describes, are a thing of the past as the last decade has shown these type of leaders were only personae and not successful for the long term (George, Sims, McLean, & Mayer, 2007). These authors describe an authentic leader as one who makes of commitment to developing themselves and using their life stories, whether good or bad, to drive the purpose of their leadership (George, Sims, McLean, & Mayer, 2007). Ensuring that I possess the components listed in the article would be priority. These items include establishing self – awareness, re-evaluating personal motivations, building a strong support team, defining core values, integrating life, and empowering others (George, Sims, McLean, & Mayer, 2007). The article goes on to say authentic, genuine leaders are needed for the 21st century as they get results done through the establishment of relationships, practice of values, and demonstration of passion (George, Sims, McLean, & Mayer,

2007).

Additional actions I would take as a means to practice this type of leadership in my current work environment would be geared towards motivating others instilling a sense of teamwork. Weekly team meetings with open discussions would be necessary as well as monthly one – on – one sessions with employees. Giving the employees the opportunity to work flex schedules to allow the pursuit of master’s degrees would also be a step in empowering employees. I currently work at a hospital that is also a college, but employees are not given the option to attend classes unless it does not conflict with current work schedules. A major factor of transformational leadership is establishing relationships. I would work really hard at getting to know employees on an individual level and understanding their strengths , so any guidance I attempt to provide will be relevant.

The business world of today is filled with a wide range of leaders exhibiting a wide range of leadership styles. While there is no definitive type of leadership that is successful across the board, there is a need for authentic leaders that strive for the success of its organization and followers. In their article, George, Sims, McLean, & Mayer state that authentic leaders find the greatest pleasure when they have led a group of people to achieve a “worthy goal” (George, Sims, McLean, & Mayer, 2007). I couldn’t agree with them more and am striving to become this type of leader.