What Is an Authentic Leadership Model and Why Every Leader Needs One (Including Coaches Too)

An authentic leadership model is a powerful tool that helps leaders define their unique leadership styles and contains the guiding principles for their personal and professional growth. In today’s competitive and dynamic business environment, embracing authenticity in leadership helps create trust, foster team engagement, and drive organizational success. 

The Authentic Leadership Model (ALM) offers the perfect solution for leaders to develop consistent, effective, and genuine leadership approaches that cater to their teams, organizational culture, and individual values. Learn the significance of the ALM, its purpose, structure, and the benefits it offers for leaders and their teams.

The Need for An Authentic Leadership Model (ALM)

Three primary objectives drive leaders in their quest for authentic leadership:

1. Effectiveness for themselves and their teams: Leaders who practice authentic leadership are more likely to be effective in their roles, inspiring and motivating their team members.
2. Alignment with the culture of their teams and organizations: Authentic leaders work to align their values and behaviors with the organizational culture, ensuring a harmonious and constructive environment.
3. Genuine self-expression that remains true to their core values: Authentic leaders confidently express their true selves while remaining dedicated to their values and beliefs, boosting their credibility and influence.

These objectives emphasize the importance of integrating personal values, self-awareness, and self-improvement while fostering a culture of trust and collaboration in the leadership journey.

What Exactly is the Authentic Leadership Model (ALM)

The ALM is a clear one-page document that serves as a comprehensive framework for leaders, outlining their:

1. Leadership style: The way they guide, motivate, and influence their teams.
2. Decision-making process: How they approach, analyze, and make decisions.
3. Performance management: The methods used to manage and improve performance within the team.
4. Communication style: How the leader shares information, provides feedback, and engages in active listening.
5. Team engagement approach: The leader’s strategies for promoting collaboration, motivation, and commitment among team members.
6. Collaboration methods: Techniques for fostering teamwork, cooperation, and shared decision-making within the organization.

The ALM captures a leader’s aspirations and integrates their diverse experiences, environment, culture, upbringing, and aspirations into a personalized and consistent leadership approach. This framework contributes to building an environment where teams feel motivated and empowered to contribute their best efforts towards a common vision, fostering a positive company culture that values integrity, transparency, and accountability.

The Benefits of Implementing the Authentic Leadership Model (ALM) for Leaders

Implementing the ALM promotes numerous benefits for leaders, including:

1. Confidence: Leaders gain self-assurance knowing they are authentic, effective, and inspiring to their team members and coworkers.
2. Enhanced commitment, motivation, and engagement: Clearly defining leadership expectations helps leaders stay focused and dedicated to their personal and professional goals.
3. Clarity: The ALM simplifies complex leadership concepts, making it easier for leaders to understand their roles and responsibilities.
4. Permission to be authentic: The ALM encourages leaders to embrace their true selves, fostering a sense of ownership and pride in their unique leadership style.
5. Empowerment and energy: With a clear understanding of their leadership style, leaders are more energized and empowered to make a positive impact on their teams and organizations.

The Benefits of Implementing the Authentic Leadership Model (ALM) for the Leader’s Team

In addition to benefiting individual leaders, the ALM also enhances outcomes for teams and coworkers who work closely with authentic leaders:

1. Clarity on expectations: A one-page manual on the leader helps team members understand what the leader expects and how to work effectively together.
2. Insight into leadership operations: The ALM sheds light on the leader’s approach to critical skills such as problem-solving, decision-making, performance management, and communication.
3. Improved engagement: Providing clarity and transparency boosts team members’ engagement by setting clear expectations and fostering a sense of trust and open dialogue.
4. Better relationships: Understanding the leader’s style and principles leads to improved relationships between team members and their manager.
5. Enhanced team culture: The ALM positively influences team dynamics, shaping a cohesive and supportive environment that values diversity, growth, and collaboration.

How To Create Your Own ALM and Implement It Within Your Organization

Embracing an Authentic Leadership Model (ALM) helps leaders navigate the challenges of today’s fast-paced business landscape and drive sustainable success for their organizations. By aligning personal values and beliefs with professional goals, leaders can inspire their teams and create a culture of trust, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

To successfully define and implement the ALM in your organization, check out our free ALM course and access our examples and template. This comprehensive course will deepen your understanding of the ALM, empowering you to create your personalized one-page document outlining your unique leadership approach. Share your ALM with your team to foster transparency and understanding and promote authentic leadership across your organization.

Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your leadership skills, achieve your full potential, and drive your team toward success. Check out the free course now and start your journey towards authentic and effective leadership!