What Is the Best Way to Lead Others?

Published Date February 06, 2025
News Type Leadership News
Read More Leadership Insights

By:

Don Stenta
Distinguished Adjunct Professor

I have taught courses focused on leadership in the public and nonprofit sectors at the John Glenn College of Public Affairs for over 20 years.   

During these two decades, I consistently am asked the question: What is the best way to lead others? Follow-up questions then tend to focus on what leaders need to know about their teams to motivate them, inspire them and encourage high levels of productivity. 

We often miss a more inward and internal look at how leaders explore the intersection between their own authenticity and how to build great teams. After years of discussion and reflection on this topic, I have developed an approach that allows for deeper connection from a place of authenticity. 

Begin to find your authentic approach with these thought starters:

WHY?   
Leaders should focus on building their leadership capacity while considering Kotter Inc.’s effective change management methodology. 

  • Reflect on how you can best approach changes at work and in your personal life.
  • Think about how to create a sense of urgency around change.
  • Consider how you can build a coalition of volunteers to help you along the way.
  • Define what small wins look like. 

 

HOW?   
The imperative for authentic leadership requires deep reflection. You must consider how you can become more: 

  • self-aware,
  • transparent,
  • balanced and 
  • self-regulated. 

It is here where leaders are differentiated as talented and where we see so many colleagues and leaders struggle with their growth plans. Until leaders truly consider vulnerability and being transparent to others, authenticity might evade them. Hosting discussions on vulnerability and bravery can transform how the intersections of uncertainty, risk and emotional exposure are understood, according to human connections and vulnerability scholarship by speaker and author Brené Brown, a research professor at the University of Houston. 

 

WHAT’S NEXT?  
After deep, internal learning, leaders can begin building their personal capacities for building authentic teams.  

Review The Lotus Group’s Guide for Authentic Leadership and the nine competencies that authentic leaders find essential: 

  • being present
  • suspension and letting go
  • intention aligned with higher purpose
  • compassion
  • whole system awareness
  • whole self-awareness
  • personal power
  • sense of humor
  • dealing with dualities and paradoxes 

To grow your own capacity for authentic leadership, review the guide’s self-reflection and development exercises for each competency.     

In addition to the resources above, Don Stenta teaches authentic leadership practices through the Glenn College Leadership Certificate for Public and Nonprofit Professionals. Apply by March 21 for classes that start May 9.