Matching your beliefs with your actions moves you closer to being an Authentic Leader and helps you be more genuine and present. The context combination of Characteristics of a successful leader helps you understand yourself. Pick any of the characteristics we have discussed in previous episodes and they will have a direct impact on your becoming more authentic. Being authentic means matching your values and beliefs with your actions and Intentions. Listen to this dynamic conversation and see how you can become a more Authentic Leader.

In today’s environment leaders are directly responsible for retaining their unit or teams. This becomes a duty of the leader supported by the leadership characteristics they have used successfully in their leadership role. Often retention is viewed as an organization wide “All Hands On Deck” campaign driven from the Executive Suite. In reality Leaders at the entry level are the first line of defense. Its simple “Employees join companies: Employees Leave Supervisors”! Effective Leaders Listen to, Engage, Encourage and Respect their teams in order to keep them!

Leadership is not effective unless there is a strong diversity element. The simplest way to think of it is to substitute the word “Differences” for “Diversity”. Leadership is understanding people’s differences. Differences are what makes each of us unique and they allow us to add value and texture to the organizations that employ us. Each of the preceding podcast episodes highlight an important characteristic of effective leadership. Understanding these characteristics and using them to be an effective leader will almost automatically address improved Diversity in your organizations. In other words, Differences are the keys to helping people do their best work. Simply put, Leadership with a focus on Differences brings out the best in everyone.