“Man in the Mirror” by Michael Jackson, is one of my favorite songs.  This song summarizes an important thought... if we want our world to be a better place, it begins with each one of us. If you buy in to the words of this song and want to be a change in the world.... you need to realize this includes being the change you want to see in your organizations as well. Being "the change and making a difference" requires a different way of thinking.  Ask yourself, “How do I engage with others? What is my leadership presence? Do I carry out my work with integrity?” 

Authentic leaders align their leadership style with their personal purpose and values, and that is what helps them inspire and perform consistently.

So how exactly do you go about creating this style? You can start with the exploration of your values, assumptions and beliefs about yourself.

Recently, I was coaching with a client and the topic of authentic leadership came up. The client was describing a former boss and said, “I think my previous boss was authentic – an authentic jerk – certifiable!”  The client went on to describe how the former boss was consistent and true to specific behaviors that gave him the title of “authentic jerk.”  Most of us would agree that this “boss” isn’t our definition of authentic leadership.  So, why do we use the word “authentic” to refer to leadership?

I realized something insightful when I returned to work after the holidays. I believe it is something we all face; however, this year I was able to more clearly identify it and wrap my head around the “why” as well as the “how” to make it different.

This thing that I am referring to is the post- holiday blues. We work diligently to stay on track at work while we get our homes ready, buy and wrap gifts, plan the holiday menu, go to the grocery store (again and again),… making sure everything is just perfect. We run around attending holiday parties, planning the festivities, while still taking care of our families, ourselves and our work…. Then all of a sudden…. it is done… over… everyone is gone, the house is quiet as well as a mess …. there are decorations to be taken down and it is time to go back to work.