As a Christian leader, I am quick to point to the Bible and to simply provide information as it being a light to a leader’s path, and that, Grace through Jesus, is enough. However, looking beyond the typical Christian answer, which is a good one, there are many ways that leaders can look for a compass that leads to more effective leadership. There are three fundamental axioms which have a basis of understanding that relay that leadership is situational, leadership is nonhierarchical, and leadership is relational (Goffee & Jones, 2015). To explain Goffee and Jones (2015) further, the understanding of these fundamentals is that the leader must recognize, that they must be themselves and not try to be something they are not (page 16). In other words, leaders must be authentic.

Being authentic is something that some people must learn and get comfortable in the talents and gifts that they have. These talents and gifts comprise of direction and connection features for the leader. Northouse (2013) points out a commonality to the formation of authentic leadership, he said, “people have the capacity to learn to be authentic leaders” (Northouse, 2013). Therefore, learning is part of the leadership journey and being aware of this learning compass is key. Barna presents Blanchard’s view of leadership, which is applicable to this discussion, through the lens of vision. Blanchard said in essence, that leaders with vision, know who they are, where they are going, and how they are going to get there (Barna & Dallas, 2009). Furthermore, it is the experiences leaders face that shape them, teach them, and makes them effective on the journey. As such, “Authentic leadership is shaped and reformed by critical life events that act as triggers to growth and greater authenticity” (Northouse, 2013).

Do you believe that it is possible for a leader to be effective in their leadership if they are not authentic in who they are and connected to what makes them who they are? For me, it is my relationship with Jesus Christ and all that I am and hope to be is through that conduit. He is my compass and the one who fits all the pieces together. He is where every leader should start when needing direction and connection in their personal and organizational life.

Works Cited

Barna, G., & Dallas, B. (2009). Master Leaders: Revealing Conversations With 30 Leadership Greats.Carol Stream: Tyndale House Publishers Inc.

Goffee, R., & Jones, G. (2015). Why Should Anyone Be Led By You? What It Takes To Be An Authentic Leader.Boston: Harvard Business Review Press.

Northouse, P. G. (2013). Leadership Theory and Practice.New Delhi, India: Sage Publications India.