• This recording is based on the second in a two-part series of seminars Robert offered on the topic of "Authentic Leadership."
• In the emerging views of leadership, leaders do not have influence simply because they are ‘bosses’ or ‘commanders’. Rather, leaders are people who are committed to “creating a world to which people want to belong.” This commitment demands a special set of models and abilities in order to effectively and ecologically manifest the visions that guide those committed to change. It involves communicating, interacting and managing relationships within an organization, network or social system to move toward one’s highest aspirations.
• In times of crisis or change, these abilities are even more crucial to the success of a venture. The three core skills of Authentic Leadership are:
Anticipating
• Detecting Weak Signals: Similar to the sonar system of a bat, leaders and organizations need to be able to sense and interpret subtle cues, in order to become aware of trends and patterns in the larger system, even before they happen.
• Mental Agility: Having the flexibility (or “requisite variety”) to respond appropriately to these signals.
• Freeing Up Resources: Creating organizations fluid enough to respond quickly to new circumstances.
Aligning
• Leading Through Embodiment: Developing personal power through congruence and personal alignment, and being aware of one’s impact on others.
• Task Through Relationship: Establishing cooperation and rapport and encouraging self-organization through meta leadership.
• Creating Cultures that Can Act: Establishing the conditions in which others can win.
Acting
• The 80/20 Rule: Being efficient, and finding the key leverage points for effective action— “knowing where to tap.”
• Ready, Fire, Aim: Being proactive and at the same time sensitive to feedback in order to make “in-course” corrections.
• Dogged Pursuit: Focusing and stretching business goals, being clear about how the business creates value, and having a strong sense of connection between one’s personal mission and business role.
