The 7 Elements of Authentic Leadership
When leaders are promoted to a new role, the ground tends to shift beneath their feet. All of a sudden, their calendars are packed with meetings and their to-do lists are endless. The leadership principles and behaviors that brought them past success no longer work.
It’s the combination of these factors that can send even the most seasoned leaders into a state of overwhelm, which I call “leadership shock.” It’s very easy to get stuck here; I’ve seen it happen with clients time and time again…
It can happen when you’re promoted from a contributor role to a managerial role for the first time. You’re now navigating team relationships and building rapport with your direct reports—and making sure the work gets done. It can also happen when you’re promoted to a new working group. You’re learning the value of the product as well as work processes for the first time—while building credibility with your new team.
If you can relate to this state of shock, don’t worry: there’s a proven methodology to overcome it. Let me introduce you to the Authentic Leadership Model, a holistic approach for leaders to understand what about their leadership is no longer working in their new role.
It’s authentic because it’s grounded in the leader’s core purpose—the thing that makes them get out of bed in the morning. This model is the antidote to leadership shock and provides the clarity needed to excel in a new role.
Here’s a quick overview of the elements of the Authentic Leadership Model:
Purpose: This is the foundation of the model and helps you identify where you should spend your time. It’s grounded in what’s important to you. What fills your emotional tank? What are you doing when you feel at your best?
Role expectations: This is what your boss and your organization expect you to achieve. How would you describe your new role? What does your team need to deliver and what exactly is your role in that?
Vision: This is the future state that you want to create for yourself, your team, and your organization. What do you want the future to look like? What impact do you want to have in this role?
Priorities: With the first three elements of this list in mind, where is it most important for you to spend your time?
Value: This can be functional skills or managerial capabilities. What strengths and experiences do you bring to your current role?
Beliefs: This is the mindset, skills, and attributes you think good leaders have. What do you believe makes a good leader? What do good leaders do?
Principles: This hits on HOW you spend your time. How do you want to lead? Why do you want to lead that way?
Do you want to learn more about the Authentic Leadership Model? Good news: I wrote a whole book about it! “Leadership Shock” has just been published. Get your copy today for exercises and case studies to guide you as you create your own Authentic Leadership Model.
In order for this system to be a long-term fix, the Authentic Leadership Model cannot be static. Because there are contextual elements of your organization that are always changing, your model has to adjust, too. Doing so prevents you from going back into leadership shock in the future.
The reality is that most leaders are not intentional about how they lead. It just happens, which is why so many find themselves in leadership shock. With the intentionality of the Authentic Leadership Model, you’ll know exactly where to focus your time and energy. You’ll lead at your best, maximize the return on your time, and feel steady on your feet to navigate the challenges that lie ahead.
This is actually one of the bittersweet things that I experience as a coach: If I do a good job, my client no longer needs me. With the Authentic Leadership Model, they now have all the tools they need to lead effectively and continue their growth. I wish the same for you!
Pete Steinberg is an elite rugby coach, leadership consultant, and author. He can help you and your organization overcome challenges and achieve unparalleled success. Pete’s first book, “Leadership Shock,” is now available for purchase online or through your local bookstore. You can connect with Pete on LinkedIn and at PeteSteinberg.com.