Things to Think About 129

How are authentic leaders created?

I am often asked this question and it usually comes as, “Are authentic leaders—real leaders—born or are they made?”

There have been countless articles written over the past 50 years about this topic, but perhaps no one has addressed it with such clarity as Warren Bennis, one of the 20th century’s most important thought-leaders on leadership.

Here is a quote from Dr. Bennis that eloquently and succinctly sums it up.

“To be authentic literally means to be your own author.”  (Greek root Autos meaning self)  “Leaders learn from others, but are not made by others.” 

To me, this wonderful little quote speaks volumes to the personal characteristics of perseverance, grit, humility, and self-awareness, all wrapped up in personal responsibility. 

To paraphrase Bennis, “If it is to be, it is up to me.”  Good advice, no?

Good luck on your journey!