The Art of Authenticity: Tools to Become an Authentic Leader and Your Best Self

I recently purchased this book for one of my leadership courses. This book surpassed my expectations, providing not only comprehensive insights into leadership principles but also practical strategies for implementation.The author's approach is not only informative but also highly engaging, making complex authentic leadership concepts applicable. The content was well-structured, allowing for a seamless integration of the book into the course curriculum. Each chapter was a goldmine of relevant information.

In this book, management psychologist Karissa Thacker offers a comprehensive discussion of authenticity in leadership, drawing on examples from her own practice. She approaches this topic from many angles, defining authenticity simply at first, and continuously adding to the definition throughout the book.I have read a number of books on leadership, and what distinguishes this book from others is the author's perspective as a psychologist. I really appreciate her take on many of the challenges that arise when working under pressure with other human beings. Some of the more memorable discussions had to do with changes in the way business operates during the last 15 years; opening one's mind to multiple alternatives; dealing with bosses; evaluating the behavior of bosses (!); being cautious with charismatic leaders; (I loved "Greater Good vs. Greater Me;") learning from all mistakes, and so, so much more. Thacker covers a lot of ground here, backing up her ideas with many references that look fascinating.My one reservation about the book is that the writing gets quite wordy at times; still, this is a fairly easy and accessible read.Here are a couple of passages I enjoyed:p. 4r "Authentic leaders are self-inventors. Leaders, whatever their field, are made up as much of their experiences as their skills, like everyone else. Unlike everyone else, they use their experience rather than being used by it. What distinguishes the leader from everyone else is that he or she takes all of that and creates a new, unique self."p. 171 "Your power and presence as an authentic leader come from what you are, paradoxically including strengths and weaknesses and similarities and differences from other people. Your uniqueness is om the mix of towering strengths and outrageous flows and the ways you are like others and the ways you are different from your reference groups. Learning to deploy that unique blend that is you, to make extraordinary things happen in business and in life, is the central challenge of authentic leadership."

I just finished reading The Art of the Authenticity and I thought it was outstanding for a number of reasons: (1) it's accessible -- Dr. Thacker is clearly an intelligent and educated woman of science, but this book isn't filled with jargon and psychobabble. It's written in a straight forward, easy-to-read manner, without being overly simplistic; (2) it's useful for everyone -- You don't have to be a CEO or business person to appreciate and value the ideas about leadership presented in this book and want to implement them in your own life; (3) it's practical -- There are concrete examples of the concepts Dr. Thacker discusses in the book and exercises to help you practice what she is trying to teach; and, (4) it stays with you -- The book provides insights into leadership and authenticity that made me think about my own ideas and interactions long after I put it down.

As a retired consulting firm senior partner, I've read and recommended a lot of books on leadership to my clients. Dr. Thacker's Art of Authenticity is a "master class" in becoming a successful executive while and through attending to one's true self. With clear language, she explores the complexities of personal psychology and the vagaries of organizational challenges, melding these together in a thoughtful and provocative manner. She skillfully avoids business book claptrap and the assumption that leadership is a list to be checked off. I recommend it to executives and aspiring executives who have the courage to look at themselves as well as their worlds. Because Dr. Thacker presents dozens of examples of her consulting conversations, I also recommend it to fellow consultants who wish to learn from a master.

An interesting take on self help leadership skills. Most of us believe we are being true to ourself but the reality is the picture we present and model is not very authentic. I think the concordance between values and behavior is the one that might trip people up at higher levels where every step is a political decision with consequences far reaching. When I was a teen my best friend's mom, with a drink in one hand and a cigarette in the other, would constantly tell us "don't drink and don't smoke". Of course we nodded our heads but the reality was nothing mattered that came out of her mouth because her two hands were telling a completely different story. Later on, suffering through a verbally abuse partner, I again realized that what is said and believed is not always what is daily experience. I do believe it is a conscious choice to bring authenticity to life - whether work, play, or rest. The piece that I struggle with is I tend to be apologetic about it or forewarn people that I'm going to say or do something that truly represents me. This book made me realize that if I was authentic every day I'd have no need to forewarn or advise people about this behavior - if I have to advise them I'm not walking the talk and living according to convictions. Very helpful and sage advice here with practical hints to bring more of the behaviors into your life that you value. Oh yeah and do it in a transparent way.

Without the risk of getting preachy, the book contains a lot of anecdotes/ practical examples to help one traverse the path of becoming a more authentic leader.Does not get preachy even though its a su

Great insights at the start but not attention holding through the middle. Great book worth the read. Enjoy yourself all!