Authentic leaders focus on the long term. They realize that nurturing individuals and a company requires hard work and patience, but the approach pays large dividends over time.

Authentic leaders are not afraid to show their emotions, their vulnerability and to connect with their employees. They understand it doesn’t make them “soft” and that communicating in a direct but empathetic manner is critical to successful outcomes.

Authentic leaders are able to put the mission and the goals of the organization ahead of their own self-interest. They do the job in pursuit of results.

Authentic leaders are self-actualized individuals who are aware of their strengths, their limitations, and their emotions. They also show their real selves to their followers.

They do not act one way in private and another in public; they don’t hide their mistakes or weakne...

Many leaders try to be one way at work, while their “true” personality emerges outside of work. They think that leadership is an act.

These leaders are often confused when their employees don’t trust or like them, and can’t really wait to work elsewhere.