Self-Check: How To Be An Authentic Leader VS. Synthetic Leader
Written by: Santarvis Brown, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
Most people in the world, whether you work at a local fast-food restaurant or a Fortune 500 company, have experienced synthetic leaders.
Synthetic leadership can come in many forms. However, most notable is a person who believes they are a better leader than they actually are. Now, I can sense readers’ hands flying up to tell their personal experiences, but I want to clarify one more thing. Most leaders, at some point in their careers, understand that they think they are a better leader than their subordinates think. However, what sets a synthetic leader apart from an authentic leader is that an authentic leader will take this realization to grow and become a better leader.
Tell-tale signs of a synthetic leader are clear. Synthetic leaders have huge egos. They also inflate their industry expertise, especially when it comes to their involvement in problem-solving and employee relations. Statements such as, “My employees have always loved me.” And “I am frequently told I am the best supervisor my employees have had.” Another sign is that a person who has never acted in a position suddenly knows more than everyone else in that position once they are promoted. Yikes. That is a synthetic leader who needs their back stroked often.
As a leader, how do we grow into an authentic leader from a synthetic leader? For some people it is natural. For others, self-awareness is the key.
Here are four ways to become an authentic leader:
Self-awareness
Self-awareness is the ability for a person to recognize their strengths and weaknesses. By understanding these two things a leader can evaluate and grow from that knowledge. Empower your strengths while consistently working to improve your weaknesses.
Don’t be afraid to show humility
Everyone is human. We all make mistakes. Most importantly, none of us knows everything. Effective authentic leaders are not afraid to allow their employees to take credit for a good job or stand back when an employee wants to present their ideas. An authentic leader does not need to always be the center of attention. And, when it comes to mistakes, lead by acknowledging when you make them and openly apologize if necessary.
Show your appreciation
Appreciation is the key to empowering employees. Authentic leaders praise consistently and often. But appreciation isn’t just telling someone they did a good job. Appreciation can also be found in how you treat your employees. Two great ways to lead as an authentic leader is to allow people to finish speaking before you speak and privately correct someone rather than belittling that person in front of a workgroup.
Consider your employees as colleagues
There is a distinct hierarchy between leader and subordinate. There is also a delicate balance to ensure that people respect you as a leader, but also don’t try to take advantage of a leader the employee feels is a close friend. Authentic leaders welcome open and honest discussion while inviting all points of view. By engaging with all employees, you are able to find solutions and compromise rather than objections and pushback.
At some point in our career, we all carry signs of being a synthetic leader. Some much more than others. But it is how we practice and learn from our weaknesses and experiences that we can grow into authentic leaders.
Santarvis Brown, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Dr. Santarvis Brown has spent 15+ years serving as a leader, innovator, and changemaker in education, showcasing in-depth insight as an administrator, educator, and program director. A noted speaker, researcher, and full professor, he has lent his speaking talent to many community and educational forums, serving as a keynote speaker. He has also penned several publications tackling issues in civic service, faith, leadership, and education.
