subject: The Reason Realism As A Prerequisite For Management Is Significant [print this page] There are many outstanding individuals who have demonstrated that authenticity as a prerequisite for leadership is of significance. History shows us that these exceptional people held as their guiding principle the welfare of the many. Life and circumstances can present many challenges. Those who can rise to these challenges and make a difference to the lives of others do so because of their fundamental belief system. Many great leaders have been shown to be so because they have believed passionately about basic human rights of their own people and those the world over.
Martin Luther King inspired a nation of black people to peacefully protest against discrimination and injustice. His stance was courageous in that he faced a horrendous backlash from those who felt their own prejudiced way of life was acceptable. As an active member of the civil rights movement King was pilloried for his outspoken stance against inhumanity. He believed that all men and women were brothers and sisters under the skin. He drew massive support at a global level and eventually won the Nobel Prize for Peace. He is still loved and admired today. King was able to rally people to his cause because it was a just cause.
Eleanor Roosevelt a former First Lady of the White house was a passionate campaigner on civil rights issues. She too believed in freedom, liberty and fraternity and went on to help draft one of the most important pieces of legislation, The Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Nelson Mandela is another outstanding individual who continues to inspire people the world over. A founder member of the African National Congress Mandela was instrumental in promoting non violent, defiance demonstrations and boycotts against injustice and inequality. He too was persecuted for the freedom cause and as history shows spent many years behind bars in an African prison.
Authentic Leadership does not have to come solely from individuals who because of time, place and circumstance find themselves taking a stand against inhumanity. Anyone who aspires to interact with others from a position of respect for self and respect for others can acquire the knowledge and skills to make a difference whether in politics, civil liberties, business or in general everyday life.
Sustainable Leadership is achieved by supporting people to contribute to their societies, communities, work places. It is about helping people to have an investment in their everyday lives. Leading by example through deeds as opposed to preaching can have positive impact upon the health and well being of others. People feel valued when they can share in the dreams and visions of their leaders.
Supporting others to achieve goals or succeed in any walk of life requires skills and knowledge about the self. To Thine Own self be True is an old scholastic idiom sometimes attributed to William Shakespeare. If an individual is unable to be true to his or her self they most certainly should not expect others to follow in their wake.
Authenticity as a prerequisite for leadership is important. Realism and honesty are generally appreciated by most people no matter where they live and at what level of society they belong. People enjoy taking on board a challenge. For employers genuinely allowing their workforce to invest of themselves in the business in which they work will pay dividends in a happy and proud workforce.
