Sincerity as a Leadership Trait
In my study of leaders and leadership over the years, numerous authors and experts attempting to set forth a “leadership template” have identified several traits and characteristics that good leaders possess. Although not an exhaustive list, these include, among others: vision, knowledge, courage, selflessness, a sense of duty, honesty/integrity, trust, and acceptance of risk. I agree that all of these are necessary traits and characteristics that leaders at all levels must possess and demonstrate to be successful. However, I believe that there is an even more basic trait that goes to the success of leaders and their teams and organizations. That trait is genuineness or better stated sincerity.
As a cadet at West Point and as a junior officer, the senior officers and non-commissioned officers that served as my role models and mentors stressed repeatedly that no matter how many or what badges and tabs you wore on your uniform your troops would quickly see through all that and cut to the heart of the matter: did you know your job (technical and tactical expertise) and did you care about THEM. If a leader showed that they were sincere or genuine in their concern about the welfare of their charges, it was a key factor in the success of the leader and his team. In many instances a leader was forgiven for some of his shortcomings if he was honest and sincere in his dealings with others.
It must be stressed that sincerity/genuineness is not mollycoddling or appeasement. Rather it is the demonstration that the leader is concerned about the individuals of the team, their training, conditions, welfare, discipline, and morale not merely as it relates to mission accomplishment but because they are valued members of the organization. A sincere leader will look for opportunities to reward and praise outstanding performance but will not shrink from making needed corrections or administering discipline which will help the team and the individual. The sincere leader promotes the concept that “we are all in this together”; that the team is truly greater than the sum of its individual members and that each member, regardless of position or seniority, is a key to the success of the team.
As a leader continues to advance in position and responsibility, it becomes even more important to demonstrate sincerity. It can be easy to stay in the corner office, isolated from junior staff and focused on “the big picture”. It is important to find ways to maintain the connection with our folks. People understand the boss can’t be everywhere, but it is crucial, I think, that the leader goes out of their way to reach out and maintain his personal connection with members of the team as much as possible. If a great idea or performance comes to the boss’ attention, the sincere leader will reach out and contact the individual responsible and let them know their work was noticed and appreciated. An even better way is to recognize or remember major events of a personal nature. A quick visit, note, or phone call from the leader - as a person - offering congratulations or condolences or helping demonstrates the leader’s commitment to both the organization and the people who make up the organization.
Sincerity will not make all your folks like you, but it is not designed to do that. It is however the first step in treating people the way they would like to be treated. Sincerity on the part of the leader is a lynchpin in establishing trust from subordinates and your superiors in the organization. Your employees will not necessarily agree with every decision you make or how you made it, but your sincerity in dealing with them will never come into question.