Five Ways to Become a More Authentic Nurse Leader

By Rose O. Sherman, EdD, RN, FAAN

“I think we’ve been choosing boards of directors and many other leaders for the wrong reason. We choose people for their image, their charisma, their style and we should be choosing them for their integrity, for their character, and their substance.” Bill George

Our current presidential political campaigns are raising important questions about authenticity in leadership. When we think about an authentic leader, we look someone who is true to himself or herself, someone who is honest and open, and someone who believes in his or her abilities. An authentic person does not hide anything from others and lives with integrity. Bill George, a national expert on authentic leadership, observes that becoming an authentic leader is not a destination but rather a lifelong journey.

Why Authentic Leadership Matters

There is recognition in nursing of the importance of authentic leadership. In 2005, the American Association of Critical Care Nurses included Authentic Leadership as one of six standards necessary to establish and sustain a healthy work environment. Leaders are recognized as the glue that hold healthy work environments together. Components to authentic leadership include feeling a passion about the purpose of what you do as a leader, practicing solid values, leading with a heart, establishing enduring relationships and demonstrating self discipline. There are some naturally authentic leaders, but most leaders need to intentionally work at being authentic.

Here are five ways to become more authentic as a nurse leader:

1. Commit to a personal journey to become more authentic in your leadership

In his book True North, Bill George observed that from his research with high performing leaders that “consciously and subconsciously, they were constantly testing themselves through real-world experiences and reframing their life stories to understand who they were at their core. In doing so, they discovered the purpose of their leadership and learned that being authentic made them more effective.” On a personal journey, leaders can develop awareness about their strongest capabilities, their leadership attributes and their greatest needs for development as a leader. Dr. Maria Shirey, a nursing expert on authentic nursing leadership, offers some good personal development strategies:

Read books about authenticity in leadership.
Complete a self-assessment of personal strengths and identify your shadow side.
Develop the art of listening and self-reflection.
Insert humor into every aspect of life.
Commit to a philosophy of life-long learning.
Participate in leadership development opportunities.

2. Seek feedback from those you lead

Authentic leadership is not something that you simply declare is your leadership style. Your authenticity as a leader can only be validated by those that you lead. You must be willing to ask for and receive feedback openly. As you look to improve aspects of your leadership, a public declaration to your followers about a desire to improve can be very powerful.

3. Find a mentor who is an authentic nurse leader

No one can be authentic by imitating another person but we can learn from their experiences. If you know a nurse leader that you really admire for their authenticity, they can serve as a mentor for you on your own journey. Life stories play a major in how great leaders become authentic.

4. Have a strong connection between your values and your actions

Authentic leaders clearly define which of their values cannot be violated regardless of the situation, and which values are desirable but not mandatory. Bill George recommends that it is a useful exercise as a leader to think carefully in advance how you will handle situations where your ethical boundaries and values are in conflict with decisions you are asked to make. Your followers will carefully watch whether your values match your leadership actions.

5. Work hard to build relationships

It is difficult to be perceived as authentic if you can’t establish relationships with other people. If you are introverted, this may mean moving outside your comfort zone and being visible and approachable. Staff will want to know that you are connected to them and their work. Otherwise, Karlene Kerfoot observes that you will not be able to provide the type of personalized leadership that inspires and brings out the best in those you work with.

The road to authenticity can be a challenging one. It is the unusual nurse leader who does not ever lose their way. As John Donahoe, the former president of eBay, wisely observed “the world will shape you if you let it. To have a sense of yourself as you live, you must make conscious choices.”

Read to Lead

George, B. & Sims, P. (2007). True North. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass

Kerfoot, K. (2006). Authentic leadership. Nurse Leader. 24(2), 116-117.

Shirey, M. (2006). Authentic leaders creating healthy work environments for nursing practice. American Journal of Critical Care. 15(3), 256-267.