The Riches of Authenticity
Nov 01
“I believe that communication is the most important leadership skill that one can possess for success in business,” I shared with Robin, the CEO of a successful Canadian-wide franchise. Robin has experience working in many different companies and countries around the world.
I asked him, “In your opinion, what is the most important leadership quality?”
“Authenticity,” he said.
“Authentic leaders create environments where exceptional performance is nurtured through honest, intelligent and sincere communications. The very best in people is brought out not through fear of consequences but through a desire to achieve. This is best accomplished, in my experience, where the leadership agenda is all about engaging with genuine candor. It’s pretty simple really. Our goal as leaders is to get talented people totally focused on the work at hand and not waste time with the distractions of politics and implied messages. Once leadership authenticity takes root, people stop looking over their shoulder and become energized around moving the business forwards – not looking backwards.”
Authenticity is paramount in personal and professional leadership, and in order to exercise it, communication skills are key. I learned a deeper lesson in leadership from Robin, and I am grateful to pass it onto you.
You can learn more about The Authentic Leader in my November Leadership Tip at www.PennyTremblay.com
Best wishes for an amazing November,
Penny
I don’t know if I am authentic but I have been pleasantly surprised and flattered by the responses I get from people I meet now that I am an old man. For example, Eric is a powerful man in his own right. He is on countless community boards, including the Salvation Army, prestigious academic boards and several large business entities yet he is impressed by my words, the way I see things, and dare I say it, my authenticity. When told him I knew he was not coming on board with us just because he liked me he paused for a few seconds and said, very seriously, that it was exactly why he was coming with us. He feels we are true to our word. This has been a real advantage because our counterparts south of the border are really trying to make this project a success. I have been monitoring what and how they are working and I will tell you without equivocation that they are going to succeed beyond our fondest dreams. So perhaps there is something in this being authentic . Thanks for the information Penny. We can all better ourselves and I strive to do that every day as well. Taking advice from people with similar goals is a big part of any success I may have. ~Stan http://www.TTRSystems.com