The EQ Leader

Chapter 11Pillar I: Developing Authenticity

The supreme quality of leadership is unquestionably integrity.

—DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER

Authenticity

Authenticity Definition

1. Lead authentically to inspire and motivate others:
2. Commands esteem and confidence, inspires fair and moral behavior, and acts as a role model.

Now that we've identified four competencies—(1) authenticity, (2) coaching, (3) insight, and (4) innovation—that are believed to be important for successful leadership, where do we go from here? In this chapter, I hope to guide you along a pathway to continue improving your capabilities as a leader. The focus of this and the next three chapters will be on the four pillars identified in the previous chapter.

Simply reading leadership books like this one can only go so far in developing you as a leader. They can help shed light on areas you may not have considered before, reinforce ideas that you may have had, and provide you with a road map for change. However, it is crucial to remember that there is no “one size fits all” approach to developing leadership. People become great leaders through a variety of means. Some people take to it more naturally—the right skills come to them more easily through the rough and tumble of everyday life. It can be a trial-and-error experience.

Others have had a mentor, a wise leader in their life that skillfully guided them along. Some leaders, more and more these days, use a personal coach. This is someone who can walk them through the ...