More Questions for Being an Authentic Leader

In my previous post, we discussed authenticity and the benefits it provides you and your organization. Let’s continue to explore being an authentic leader.

What is the one thing you’d go back and tell your younger self starting out in your career?

I would share the formula for getting all you want in work and life. It comes from pursuing a passionate purpose that delivers meaning and satisfaction. My research study shows that meaning in life comes from contribution and connections.

• Contribution: making a meaningful difference. This is related to the activities of the head.
• Connections: deep, caring relationships with the self, others, and/or a higher power. These are often thought of as the heart.

Initially in my education and career, mathematics and engineering received all my attention. In my undergraduate program, for example, I chose more and more mathematics courses to fill my electives. I focused on a rational, logical approach to making a difference, but I neglected the heart. Looking back on my life’s journey, I would tell my younger self to balance my head and heart to be my authentic self. I’d follow the advice of my wise friend Martha Arnett, “The most important thing in life is relationships. Make them as harmonious as possible.“

What is one decision you wish you hadn’t made?

Overall, I believe that the right thing happens in the end. Think of the advice of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe to “just trust yourself, then you will know how to live.“

I am a loyal, hard-working, dedicated person. I live by the SUNFLOWER traits, where N stands for NEVER GIVE UP. I discerned these traits based on my research for Pursuit of Passionate Purpose. I once asked Mark Plaatjes, world marathon champion, “How do you know when it’s time to move on?” He replied, “If you try and try and try and you’re not getting any results, then it’s time to move on.“

I made the decision to stay in one of my jobs too long. I was not trusting myself enough. Looking back, I should have moved on sooner. Now I see that time on this earth is finite. Time is precious. As my mother always said, “Life is short. Death is sure.” So I’m now actively monitoring how I am learning, achieving, and growing. If there is not enough movement, I pledge that I will more quickly evaluate and consider moving on to the next opportunity. I will live true to my own highest convictions and be authentic.

What advice would you give someone who is feeling undervalued or passed over by their manager?

Speak up, be courageous, and take control of your career. I remember talking with my first boss at Bell Labs. I asked him when we would discuss my career development. He said, “Theresa, no one does your career development for you. You need to do it yourself.”

Courage is a word with the French root corag that means “having heart”. When you are authentic you find the courage to speak up and ensure you’re not passed over. Pain is a signal, a wake-up call, to make some changes to be true to your authentic self.

Conclusion

Being authentic in the workplace is living true to your values and using your gifts. Authenticity brings passion, energy, enthusiasm, zeal, and joy. It feels good. It produces extraordinary results. When you are authentic you find the courage to speak up and to make sure you’re not passed over. Know and nurture yourself. To thy own self be true.

Theresa M. Szczurek, Ph.D. is a tech and cybersecurity-savvy C-level executive, 3x tech entrepreneur, Certified Management Consultant (CMC®), and Certified Corporate Director (NACD.DC) who is the co-founder and Board Director of Radish Systems. As the former State of Colorado Chief Information Officer (CIO) and Colorado CIO of the Year, she runs Technology and Management Solutions, a consulting firm. She researched, authored, and speaks about her best-selling book Pursuit of Passionate Purpose: Success Strategies for a Rewarding Personal and Business Life.

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