Authenticity is the "State of being committed to the truth." 

An authentic leader is a person who chooses to live a life of integrity. They are not only honest in relationship with others but most importantly they are honest and true to themselves.

The profession of psychology and those spiritual have been exploring, theorising and researching authenticity for decades. The central premise is that human beings are born into the world as unique. Their uniqueness can be scientifically attributed to the random aggregation of DNA code derived from both parents, or from a spiritual perspective (eg a unique spirit enters the world in human form to fulfill a life purpose; contributing to their spiritual growth).

Regardless of the point of view, the truth is that in order to survive in the world a child is reliant on others. Children learn through sensing and experience what to do in order to have their needs met. By interacting with and mirroring their parents (or primary caregiver), extended family, school, community and society they learn how to think, act and feel. They develop values and beliefs that support them in their immediate world. Unfortunately, this conditioning takes them away from who they really are - the authentic self.

Adding to the basic premise of psychological /spiritual existence and personal growth, is that adult life circumstances can challenge who we are and the way we live.

Individuals can discover that the way they were taught to exist in the world is in fact creating problems for them. Their learnt behaviour, thinking, values and beliefs are not sufficient enough to solve the problem, or no longer serve them (relationship problems, feeling stressed are common signs). This creates tension with individuals often feeling frustrated or stuck. This tension builds until the person is required to question themselves and their predicament. They begin to think of new possibilities and eventually, if able to take a leap of faith, choose to do something different and/or change themselves.

This process of change provides the opportunity for continued growth with many possibilities. 

Self-awareness and personal choice being the keys that allow an individual to shed layers of conditioning that no longer benefit them. This in effect brings a person closer to who they really are. They become more authentic. A number of psychological modalities refer to this as the Onion Skin Model, ie peeling the onion.

We are not designed to run faster and faster until such time we collapse. Instead we are designed to evolve. 

There is an evolutionary process that runs through us. The same evolutionary process that created everything as we see it.

We have the choice to personally grow and live in alignment with our and this process experiencing absolute freedom or remain a victim of life circumstances.  

The evolution of consciousness has been and is being captured around the world as it unfolds. Scientific, psychological, sociological and spiritual projects are aligning. A number of key points/attributes at higher states of consciousness are being noticed and include:

• A sense of being inter connected and connected with the greater whole. A global citizen with a soul.
• A need and unshakeable commitment to live in alignment with personal values irrespective of group circumstances.This leads to higher levels of ethics and integrity.  
• An individual willingness to live outside one's comfort zone pushing the parameters of personal growth. A commitment to live greatness as opposed to settling for mediocrity.
• Living from the space of "I Care." Recognising my decisions and actions co create the world I live in and determine the future I and we will face. 
• A greater sense of responsibility individually and for the greater common good.
• The ability to think integrally and solve problems of great complexity.
• The ability to live from a space of stillness versus chaos.
• The ability to flow and surrender to the process of life versus the need to control everything / forcing things to happen.
• Accepting and having a sincere interest in difference. Utilising what is learnt.
• A willingness to experience great humility in the face of compassion and take responsibility for our part in conflict.
• The recognition and ability to live with paradox and ambiguity and feel ok.
• The ability to utilise the whole of ourselves to heal, forgive, retain and be in relationship with others.
• And finally a commitment to truth (meaning pure consciousness).

 In society, government, business in fact all systems the same process applies. Beliefs, behaviours, life practices can be derived from management courses, leadership training, beaurocracy, societal norms. It doesn't just have to be our childhood. All can be as equally stifling and damaging to becoming more.

The benefits of Authentic Leadership include:

·         An individual continually grows. They creatively adjust to the conditions that are facing them.This process is sustainable and shapes culture.

·         People become more honest with themselves and those they are in contact. Developing higher levels of trust and goodwill towards each other. Hearts become involved not just minds.

·         An individual connects with and aligns decisions to their personal conscience. This means higher levels of ethics and personal integrity.

·         Leaders appreciate and utilise ‘difference versus sameness’. This fosters innovation and an ability to resolve conflict.

·         New memes (ways) of thinking develop. This provides an opportunity to view the world differently and solve issues of great complexity .

A Higher Self guide and mentor leaders to:

·         Assist them to identify certain practices and ways of being that are no longer benefiting them.

·         Support leaders to take risks and make the changes necessary in order to grow themselves and their relationship with the world.

Overtime, this change process develops within the leader a capacity (confidence, resourcefulness) and inner resilience that allows them to face future challenges without mentoring. They become self sufficient. Not only is this cost effective but most importantly liberating!