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Updated: Jul 16, 2026
06:48
The HoneyComb Paradigm for Research on Collective Human Behavior
Published on: January 19, 2019
Discovering your authentic leadership
Bill George1, Peter Sims, Andrew N McLean
1Harvard Business School, Boston, USA.
Harvard Business Review
|March 10, 2007
Summary
Authentic leadership, developed through self-reflection and feedback, is crucial for sustained business success. Anyone can cultivate these essential leadership skills for long-term organizational growth.
Area of Science:
- Business Management
- Organizational Psychology
- Leadership Studies
Background:
- Persistent challenges in business leadership highlight the need for a new leadership paradigm.
- The concept of authentic leadership has emerged as a critical area of study in contemporary business environments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the developmental pathways and characteristics of authentic leaders.
- To determine if authentic leadership can be learned and cultivated, rather than being an innate trait.
Main Methods:
- Conducted the largest leadership development study to date, involving 125 interviews with diverse business leaders.
- Analyzed leaders' life stories, self-awareness practices, and feedback mechanisms.
Main Results:
- Authentic leadership is not dependent on inherent traits or hierarchical position; it can be learned.
- Key development factors include understanding life stories, self-reflection, self-awareness, and seeking honest feedback.
- Sustained business results are the ultimate indicator of authentic leadership.
Conclusions:
- Authentic leadership is attainable for anyone through dedicated self-exploration and development.
- Cultivating self-awareness and integrating feedback are crucial for becoming an authentic leader.
- Authentic leadership is essential for achieving long-term business success and organizational sustainability.
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