Authenticity has become a leadership buzzword, but along the way we’ve become confused as to what makes a leader as authentic. In her article, Wanted: Authentic Leaders, Dr. Saj-nicole Joni steers us back toward the true meaning of leadership authenticity.

Leaders who are unconventional and outspoken are often hailed as authentic leaders. Such leaders loudly and semi-defiantly display their personal style, while brashly voicing their unorthodox opinions. They are praised for their independence and nonconformity, but does their unfiltered behavior qualify them as authentic? Dr. Joni argues that authenticity involves more than unrestrained flamboyance. To clarify, she has identified five fundamental characteristics of authentic leadership.

1) Authentic leaders make judgments based upon consistent values. Their moral compass reliably informs their decisions. Followers know what to expect from a leader who holds to non-negotiable standards.

2) Authentic leaders place purpose before self-expression. They don’t covet the limelight as much as they crave the fulfillment of a dream. Rather than whimsically pursuing shifting desires, authentic leaders align their actions around a clear purpose. This vision-centeredness allows followers to have insight into the direction the leader is headed.

3) Authentic leaders exercise discretion when unveiling their emotions and opinions. They recognize that the intricacies of organizational management may prevent them from a full revelation of their knowledge and inner feelings. In the words of Ron Heifetz, co-founder of Harvard’s Center for Public Leadership, “Authentic leadership--which includes judgment about pace, framing and what and how to disclose information--is a commitment to serve the growth and adaptability of those you lead.”

4) Authentic leaders seek dissonant views and unvarnished truth. They are not content to guide the organization without critically evaluating their ideas and assumptions. They thrive on the interplay of ideas and are humble enough to confront reality.

5) Authentic leaders engineer healthy cultures, phonies build cults around personal charisma. Authentic leaders create flexible organizations in the hopes of sustaining success over time. Inauthentic leaders wield control and construct organizations dependant upon their personal appeal.