Coming up through the leadership ranks in male-dominated fields, I embraced the “lead from the front” leadership style I learned from my male mentors. This approach served me well in many situations, providing a clear direction and a strong example for my team.
However, when the FBI promoted me to Assistant Special Agent in Charge of Cyber and Computer Forensics, I faced a new challenge: leading a highly technical team with limited computer skills. In the world of Cyber, tech knowledge was currency, and I quickly realized that leading from the front wasn’t an option. I knew I had the skills to “lead from the front” all day, but how would I get my people to follow without that currency?
Embracing the Shift to Authentic Leadership
At that moment, I learned what authentic leadership was all about. I took inventory of my leadership strengths and learned how to apply those skills to contribute significantly to my team. My strengths were communication, problem-solving, decision-making, team building, and finding money and equipment to ensure my team had everything they needed to do their jobs. By shifting from a “lead from the front” to a “servant” leader, I succeeded in the Cyber and Computer Forensics worlds, even without an IT degree.
This transition in leadership style was not easy. There were moments of self-doubt. How could I earn the respect of my team when I didn’t speak their technical language? I started by being honest about my limitations and showing genuine interest in learning from my team. I listened more than I spoke, asking questions and valuing their expertise. This openness helped build trust and fostered a collaborative environment where everyone felt valued.
Authentic Leadership Requires An Understanding of Your Strengths and Weaknesses
We often don’t value the skills that come naturally to us. Instead, we waste precious time trying to master something we will never be good at. For example, no matter how hard I try, I will never be patient. My efforts are better served improving skills that will take me to the next level while leading authentically. People know when you are faking it. Live your truth. For me, that meant acknowledging my weaknesses and leveraging my strengths. My ability to communicate effectively, solve problems creatively, make decisive decisions, build cohesive teams, and secure resources became the pillars of my leadership style.
One of the most valuable lessons I learned was the importance of leveraging my team’s collective strengths. I realized that my role was not to have all the answers but to facilitate an environment where the team could thrive. By empowering my team members, giving them the tools they needed, and recognizing their contributions, we achieved more together than I could have alone.
How to Put Authentic Leadership Into Practice
So, how do you put authentic leadership into practice? It’s about leveraging your strengths, adapting to new challenges, and supporting your team in ways that maximize their potential. By embracing flexibility, recognizing your unique qualities, and maintaining a positive inner dialogue, you can lead effectively even in fields where you may lack technical expertise.
Remember, leadership is not about having all the answers, but empowering and enabling those around you to succeed. It is a journey of continuous learning and growth. By staying true to yourself and focusing on your strengths, you can navigate even the most challenging environments and inspire those around you to achieve greatness.
To learn more about “Authentic Leadership” along with other topics that I speak to audiences about, visit https://ginalosborn.com/speaking-topics/.