Does it make sense, as a leader, to put yourself out there in an honest way in hopes that people will do the same? That’s a tough question many leaders may be finding themselves asking. An older version of leadership has the leader sitting in a corner office with all of the answers and very little input from anyone else. They lead in an authoritative way, which is probably not very effective. But are people drawn to that? Maybe at first, but over the long haul, I’m not sure.

Authentic leadership means you are willing to be REAL with people. You want to hear from them and are willing to let your guard down as well. Actually, you want to have some type of relationship with them. It may not be attending each other’s wedding for your kids, but you are trying. For religious leaders or teachers, this can be tough ... aren’t they supposed to have all of the answers. We’ve been conditioned to think and believe the leader has no failures, faults or mistakes. The problem with that unreal ideal is that few people will be able to relate to the leader. I believe people are drawn to authenticity, especially in leadership. If you find your leader, your school principal, picking up trash in the hallway it might motivate you to do the same.

Can there be issues with this new found transparency? You bet. (President Obama seems to be trying, but the criticism seems to come even faster.) But the overall result may produce an environment where people can be real with each other and be more effective in accomplishing their goals. Do our schools need to improve? YES. But let’s shine a light, an appropriate size light on our school leaders. Allow them to be authentic and real -- then we might see some real change.