Certificate of Authenticity
Abstract This paper explores a few key characteristics of an authentic leader. In the beginning it describes the difference between leadership styles and actually being authentic. Ex-Enron CEO Kenneth Lay, before his conviction portrayed himself as an authentic leader. After his conviction it was evident that there wasn‟t any authentic intention behind his decision making. The purpose of paper is to show how authentic leaders govern themselves in the workplace. This document provides an explanation of standing alone, living in freedom of truth, building teams, being courageous, and living for a higher purpose as an authentic leader. In conclusion, an authentic leader knows who they are, stands on what they believe, and they lead others on the path of excellence.
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Running Head: Certificate of Authenticity
Certificate of Authenticity: Characteristics of Authentic Leaders and the Decisions They Make
“Prosecutor Sean Berkowitz said, „the jury sent and unmistakable message: You can‟t lie to shareholders. No matter how rich and powerful, you must play by the rules‟.” (Msnbc.com news, 2006) The former statement made by Mr. Berkowitz occurred during the trial of Ex-Enron executives Kenneth Lay and Jeffrey Skilling. These executives were convicted of fraud and conspiracy after the demise of the company in 2001. In this case, being an in-authentic leader lead to the loss of “$60 billion in market value, almost $2.1 billion in retirement savings and 5,600 jobs”. (Msnbc.com news, 2006) The results of the trial would have an effect on the guiding principles of leadership in organizations forever. In organizations today it may seem difficult to believe that authentic leadership still exists. The media thrives on leaders such as Ex-Enron CEO Kenneth Lay and Ex-WorldCom CEO Bernard Ebbers, who have been convicted in corporate scandals which has lead to the ultimate down fall of their organizations. Therefore authentic leaders aren‟t usually the center of attention. As a
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Running Head: Certificate of Authenticity
Certificate of Authenticity: Characteristics of Authentic Leaders and the Decisions They Make
“Prosecutor Sean Berkowitz said, „the jury sent and unmistakable message: You can‟t lie to shareholders. No matter how rich and powerful, you must play by the rules‟.” (Msnbc.com news, 2006) The former statement made by Mr. Berkowitz occurred during the trial of Ex-Enron executives Kenneth Lay and Jeffrey Skilling. These executives were convicted of fraud and conspiracy after the demise of the company in 2001. In this case, being an in-authentic leader lead to the loss of “$60 billion in market value, almost $2.1 billion in retirement savings and 5,600 jobs”. (Msnbc.com news, 2006) The results of the trial would have an effect on the guiding principles of leadership in organizations forever. In organizations today it may seem difficult to believe that authentic leadership still exists. The media thrives on leaders such as Ex-Enron CEO Kenneth Lay and Ex-WorldCom CEO Bernard Ebbers, who have been convicted in corporate scandals which has lead to the ultimate down fall of their organizations. Therefore authentic leaders aren‟t usually the center of attention. As a
References: San Francisco, CA: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Msnbc.com News Services. (2006, May 25). Lay, Skilling Guilty on Nearly all Counts. Retrieved from http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/12968481 http://www.rokusforum.org/pdf_files/Authentic-Leadership_Robert-Terry.pdf. Verschoor, C. C. (2010, September). Top-Management Example and Peer Pressures Bring Benefits http://www.ivysea.com/pages/ldrex_0302_02.html. Watkins, S. (2002). What‟s Her Story. Retrieved from http://www.sherronwatkins.com/sherronwatkins/Whats_Her_Story.html