ABSTRACT

A common misconception is that a leader must have superb intellectual skills and be technically savvy to be deemed successful enough to lead. Many researchers have described qualities of the ideal leader, but few discuss the importance of authentic leadership. Trust in leadership has dissipated and a lack of self-awareness has been cited as a main reason for the distrust. Authentic leadership connotes genuineness and the self-aware leader is said to go to great lengths to learn from their mistakes and errors alike while displaying a strong sense of self, which is critical for a leader. Authentic leaders also work hard at developing self-awareness through persistent and often courageous self-exploration. This paper summarizes and analyzes the available literature on the authentic leadership theory. Additionally, this paper explores the example of Dr. Martin King Jr. and his application of authentic leadership. This capstone project will seek to highlight the benefits of a leadership style that possesses a positive, socially constructive foundation in relation to self-awareness of one’s values.