Hi Dawn,
Loved your post about authentic leadership and the importance of being true to yourself. I believe that leadership begins with the heart. If you don’t know who you are, it hinders your capacity to lead. One of my biggest life lessons was learning who I am and who I want to be. I took the TWU BA in the leadership program and it was one of the best things I ever did as I finally understood who I am and why I’m here. The Bible directs us to “guard your heart, above all else for it determines the course of your life” (Proverbs 4:23). Being genuine and leading with your heart is the core of transformational servant leadership.
I understand your apprehension to share your feelings and fears with your staff. Being vulnerable especially in a professional setting is so hard. It is something I struggle with as well. My current leadership team has encouraged me to be open about these things. The best thing my Leader has ever taught me is we all have weaknesses, but we are a team. Where I am weak some of my teammates are strong which is the beauty of a team environment. True authenticity mandates owning our struggles and being honest. Honesty creates credibility and trust within a team. I encourage you to face your fear, be vulnerable it will not make you appear weak to your followers it will humanize you.