George Balanchine was the famous director of the New York City Ballet. Those who danced said they would have thunderous applause and accolades, but they did not feel good unless Balanchine was pleased. They played for an audience of one.
The authentic leader also plays for an audience of one – God.
Nothing takes away from authenticity more than self-centered ego and pride. At a recent CLA Conference CEO gathering, a young leader asked me what I thought was the major problem in leadership. I replied, “Ego and pride.” He pointed to the group in the room and asked, “With these people?” I said, “No. In myself.” I wrestle with it daily. And daily I am convicted. But like the carnival “whack-a-mole” it keeps rearing its ugly head in my life.
Authentic leadership always points away from self and to God – not in words, but in what people see in us as we live and lead.
