Being authentic as a manager.

The word "authentic" is derived from the Greek authentikos "reliable, correct" or as a person from authentes "originator, doer". On karrierebibel.de 4 criteria of authenticity are mentioned: Awareness, honesty, consistency and sincerity.

I consider myself to be authentic. But what is my definition of “being authentic,” and what does that mean for a leader—or rather, what makes a leader authentic?

As a business coach, what does authenticity mean to me as a manager?

Here are a few points that I consider essential for authentic leadership:

Being Human

Share your feelings, impressions and what you consider to be valuable interpersonal input for the company. If you sense that an employee is not feeling well, take the employee aside for a one-on-one conversation. Please don't talk about it, especially not in front of others.

Being able to give and accept feedback

Many managers ask for feedback, but don’t know how to handle it—or can’t handle it at all. Not even when it’s positive feedback. Giving feedback should be a constructive and empathetic process for both parties. Especially when suggesting improvements, please don’t act on impulse—unless you’re already very skilled at doing so in a respectful manner.

Be transparent

Employees should be committed to a company and identify with its philosophy. However, if the employee does not know where the company's journey and goals are heading, the employee is unfortunately left in the dark. Your employees want to know what's coming next, inform them about it and not just the day before. Please. And "LAST but NOT LEAST":

Be honest and trustworthy

Being honest with yourself and with others requires awareness and living your own values, philosophy and vision. "Trust has to be earned." ... as a manager, however, you should give your employees the benefit of the doubt. I know you will be disappointed more often than not, but trustworthy employees will thank you for it. Being skeptical doesn't help anyone.

These are the 4 cornerstones of "being authentic" for me. But what does Generation Z say?

Generation Z demands that their managers be "authentic".

Being authentic has to do with being down-to-earth, grounded, and genuine. It means being yourself without putting on a facade. It also means being open about it when you’re not feeling well. Even leaders are allowed to have bad days—we all do. However, they must be stronger than their employees. That is one of the qualities a leader who serves as a role model should possess.

Read more about "Next Generation and Leadership"?

… as I mentioned in my summary following my most recent guest lecture at Munich University of Applied Sciences. There, I spoke with the students about what they expect from a leader. Follow the link (the first link is in German, the second in English).

Great leadership for the next generation.

Questions or suggestions about being authentic?

If you see "being authentic" differently, or if you have any questions, comments or additions to the blog article "Being authentic as a manager", please contact me directly.

Sincerely,
Kathrin Fuchs
Executive Coach

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Sources: Wissen.de _ Authentic, Karrierbibel.de _ Authenticity