Authentic leadership can be bad leadership too !

 

APRIL 07, 2011 Thursday 3 Steps to Changing Offensive Behavior Being authentic is not an excuse for being a jerk. Yes, we all have bad habits that feel innate, but don't claim "that's just the way I work" when your behavior hurts or impairs others' progress. Instead, face the truth and find ways to change your bad behavior: Find out what others think. You may not know what your worst habits are. Ask a trusted colleague what is difficult about working with you. Listen carefully, do not try to respond, explain, justify, or defend. Find an alternative. Next time you have the urge to misbehave, what will you do instead? Make a promise to your team or peers to act differently. Pay the price. Commit to a consequence for breaking your promise. Make sure it has a cost to you but is also constructive. Today's Management Tip was adapted from "Authentic Leadership Can Be Bad Leadership" by Deborah Gruenfeld and Lauren Zander.