Leading with Purpose: The Art of Authentic Leadership

Samchetsabam Ratankumar Singh *

"People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." – Maya Angelou.

Leadership is not just about a title or position; it’s about influence, vision, and the ability to inspire others to achieve greatness. Throughout history, great leaders have left their marks, not because of their titles, but because of their impact. John Maxwell once said, "A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way." This philosophy has guided me in my journey as a leader, and I believe it holds true for anyone aspiring to lead with purpose and authenticity.

Establishing Brand Authenticity

In today’s fast-paced world, authenticity is a key ingredient of leadership. People follow those who are genuine, consistent, and aligned with their values. Being authentic does not mean exposing everything about yourself; rather, it means embracing the true essence of who you are and reflecting it in your leadership.

To establish authenticity, you must first be self-aware. Understand who you are, what you stand for, and how your actions impact others. As Warren Bennis rightly put it, "Becoming a leader is synonymous with becoming yourself. It is precisely that simple and it is also that difficult." Authenticity is not built overnight; it requires commitment, introspection, and continuous self-improvement.

The Power of Perception Management

Perception is reality. The way people perceive you determines the influence you hold. Great leaders know how they are perceived and take intentional actions to align their image with their values. Seeking honest feedback is an essential step in perception management. It may be uncomfortable to hear, but constructive criticism is a catalyst for growth.

To lead effectively, your impact should align with your intentions. If people experience you differently from how you perceive yourself, take a step back and reassess your approach. Leadership is not about how you see yourself but how others experience your leadership.

Building a Strong Leadership Profile

To make a difference, people need to know who you are and what you stand for. Building a strong leadership profile requires visibility, consistency, and meaningful contributions. Share your insights, experiences, and expertise with the world. As Albert Schweitzer said, "Example is not the main thing in influencing others. It is the only thing."

Utilize social and business media platforms to showcase your leadership journey. Participate in industry events, take up leadership roles beyond your job description, and engage in mentorship. Leadership is about service—when you help others grow, you grow in return.

Attaining and Sustaining High Performance

Leaders don’t just dream; they deliver. Performance is the foundation of leadership credibility. You cannot lead without proving your ability to execute. High performance is not about working long hours; it’s about efficiency, effectiveness, and excellence.

Delivering what is expected—and exceeding expectations—creates trust and builds your reputation. Follow instructions, meet deadlines, and constantly improve your skills. As Steve Jobs once said, "Be a yardstick of quality. Some people aren’t used to an environment where excellence is expected." Strive for excellence in all that you do, and success will follow.

Casting Your Leadership Vision

Every great leader has a vision. Before you embark on your leadership journey, ask yourself, "What do I want to be known for?" Your vision acts as your North Star, guiding your decisions and actions. Visionary leaders don’t just react to situations; they create the future they wish to see.

To refine your vision, reflect on these questions:
o Do people experience me in the way I intend?
o Does my performance align with my aspirations?
o What impact do I want to leave behind?

Leadership is about legacy. Your "leadership aroma"—the impression you leave behind—should inspire and empower others.

Building Followership

Leadership is not about commanding; it’s about influencing. The best leaders cultivate followership by demonstrating integrity, courage, and accountability. People follow those they trust and respect.

To build followership, be brave in making decisions, remain true to your values, and take responsibility for both successes and failures. As Simon Sinek wisely said, "A boss has the title. A leader has the people." Leadership is not a one-person journey; it’s about guiding and uplifting those around you.

Holding the Room & Influencing Outcomes

Influence is a vital leadership skill. Holding the room means having the ability to command attention, steer discussions, and drive decisions. This does not come from authority alone but from preparation, understanding, and emotional intelligence.

Before stepping into a crucial meeting, anticipate objections, understand different perspectives, and build relationships with key stakeholders. Influence is not about winning every battle; it’s about fostering collaboration and achieving the best outcomes for all.

The Difference Between a Leader and a Boss

A true leader inspires, while a boss commands. The distinction between the two is significant:
o A boss believes they know it all; a leader is always learning and growing
o A boss instills fear; a leader instills confidence.
o A boss takes credit; a leader gives credit.
o A boss makes decisions alone; a leader involves the team in decision-making.
o A boss demands results; a leader empowers people to deliver results.
o A boss resists criticism; a leader welcomes constructive feedback.
o A boss controls; a leader guides and mentors.
o A boss focuses on power; a leader focuses on purpose.
o A boss gives orders; a leader leads by example.
o A boss creates followers; a leader creates more leaders.

As Theodore Roosevelt famously said, "People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care." Leadership is about service, inspiration, and empowerment.

Final Thoughts

As I reflect on my journey, I realize that leadership is not about seeking recognition—it’s about making an impact. Every leader has a unique story, and our challenge is to make ours one worth remembering.

So, what do you want to be known for? Define your purpose, stay true to your values, and lead with authenticity. The world needs more leaders who inspire, uplift, and transform lives. As Mahatma Gandhi said, "Be the change you wish to see in the world."

“A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way.” – John C. Maxwell. Let’s not just aim to lead; let’s strive to make a difference.