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When it’s time for good vibrations at the work stations, it’s time for ‘authentic leadership’

bbs-communications-When it_s time for good vibrations at the work stations, it_s time for _authentic leadership_

by Lisa Nixon

There’s leadership and then there’s authentic leadership. In theory, there may not be much to set them apart, but in practice there is a world of difference.

As those of us in business continue to face challenging times testing our relationships with clients, suppliers and our staff, conversations about leadership and culture are as valuable as those about productivity and cost efficiency.The concept of authentic leadership has been around since Greco-Roman times and has been re-popularised in contemporary management theory.

In an article on forbes.com, contributor Kevin Kruse  outlines the four common traits of authentic leaders:

  • Firstly, Kruse suggests authentic leaders are “self-aware and genuine”. They know their strengths and weaknesses and yet are still prepared to reveal their true selves. Authentic leaders show that ‘what you see is what you get’; the same at home as at work.
  • Secondly, an authentic leader has their head in the game, first and foremost. Kruse says they are “mission driven and focussed on results”. There’s no self-interest here. It’s all about the task, what needs to be done and not about “power or money or ego”.
  • The third trait of an authentic leader is heart. Authentic leaders are real people. They succeed. They fail. They are human. Yet Kruse says this does not mean that authentic leaders are “soft”.  He says, “Authentic leaders lead with their heart, not just their minds.” They communicate directly but with empathy and concern for people.
  • Finally, authentic leaders have an eye on the BIG prize. The course is set for the long term. It’s one thing to hold the team together to reach a short term goal but it’s quite another to build a company which is sustainable and successful. Again, Kruse says, “As Bezos has done for years at Amazon, (authentic) leaders realise that to nurture individuals and to nurture a company requires hard work and patience, but the approach pays large dividends over time.”

So, as we search for ways to achieve long term business sustainability in a new-look economic climate, consider what authentic leadership could do for your corporate culture.

Intern at BBS

BBS operates a University Internship Program which offers placements in line with the university semesters, plus holiday period intakes, generally June/July and December/January/ February.

We accommodate trimester students and our program is open to applicants who are pursuing an internship of their own accord outside of the standard university semester calendar.

As a BBS intern you can expect to work alongside experienced professionals on real client projects, an environment which provides an accurate picture of what life as a communications consultant is like. 

BBS interns are always considered first for our graduate roles and many of our former interns have gone on to senior roles within our firm.

Working in a consultancy is diverse, fast-paced. It’s often said that “you’ll learn more in your first year in consultancy than in your first 3 – 5 years in another role”.

To apply for a BBS Internship, please email the Intern Program Coordinators with the following:

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Join our mailing list to download our resources as well as receive regular news and insights from our team of professional communicators.

Intern at BBS

BBS operates a University Internship Program which offers placements in line with the university semesters, plus holiday period intakes, generally June/July and December/January/ February.

We accommodate trimester students and our program is open to applicants who are pursuing an internship of their own accord outside of the standard university semester calendar.

As a BBS intern you can expect to work alongside experienced professionals on real client projects, an environment which provides an accurate picture of what life as a communications consultant is like. 

BBS interns are always considered first for our graduate roles and many of our former interns have gone on to senior roles within our firm.

Working in a consultancy is diverse, fast-paced. It’s often said that “you’ll learn more in your first year in consultancy than in your first 3 – 5 years in another role”.

To apply for a BBS Internship, please email the Intern Program Coordinators with the following: