Authentic Leader

Reading chapter 8 (George 2007), on leaders staying grounded, while integrating their lives is an eye opener for every leader. Donahoe made an imperative statement (pg 136), "the more he integrated his life and embraced humanity the more effective he became as a leader." Therefore, (pg 141) integrating your life, you must remain grounded in your authentic self, especially when the outside world is chaotic Leading on the other hand is high-stress work and there is no way to avoid stress when you are responsible for people, organizations, outcomes, and the constant uncertainties of the environment. I truly believe that as leaders we have to embrace real integrity which results from integrating all aspects of one's life so that they are true to themselves in all settings.

Consequently in order for an authentic leader to lead an integrated life they need to embodied at least five characteristics. The following are five marks of authentic leadership

1. Authentic leaders have insight. This refers to leaders having vision; however they need to have wisdom and discernment.

2. Authentic leaders demonstrate initiative. This refers to leaders leading by example, and not sitting on the sidelines

3. Authentic leaders exert influence. Leaders are able to gather a following and move people to act.

4. Authentic leaders have impact. That means that they are able to create real and lasting change.

5. Authentic leaders exercise integrity. Leaders have insight, initiative, influence, and impact.

I believe that I can bring my personal life, family life, community life and professional life by making sacrifices. In all four factors I will give a 100% effort in everything that I do. What I realize with life experience, if I need help with one of the buckets of life (per Phil McCrea pg 139) is empty; I will reach out to another bucket for help. For instance for the month of March, in searching for the right school for daughter, I reached out to the community for assistance. Another aspect with the professional life, whenever I am going through difficult times the family is always there for support. Therefore, as a woman I know that I can have it all a successful life with all four bucket list, be staying grounded. However remaining grounded in my authentic self is essential when the outside world is chaotic.

Some of the tradeoffs that I might have to consider in order to become a more authentic leader are.

A) Finding time for myself, by managing the stress in my life. For instance relaxing and taking long walks can eliminate a lot of stress from my professional life.

B) Staying true to my roots, I remain contact with my extended family in the Caribbean which help me appreciate life and don't