There is a large amount of information that can help in determining the leadership style that suits a person. However, without knowing and analyzing their own traits, individuals will be able to achieve little. Thus, learning about oneself is an essential step in becoming an authentic leader (Northouse, 2022). Self-awareness played a significant role in Sally Helgesen’s story of leadership. Therefore, two principles were struggling in a woman, a teacher and a writer, who constantly forced her to think about life and its purpose. Then, gaining awareness that she values freedom and independence, Sally made the decision to become a writer. In her path of leadership, she also accepted the fact that she presented herself as an outsider looking in, who absorbed and analyzed what was happening around her, which helped her become an internationally recognized consultant.
The authentic leadership style is of particular interest to study as it has unique features. So, one of them, which is inherent in Sally Helgesen, is a natural and open sharing of information that she received in the course of personal and professional experience. Moreover, this style implies transparency and compliance with ethical principles, which can also be attributed to a woman.
Sally Helgesen is at the final part of the case study is described to put on the “mantle of leadership,” which may imply taking responsibility, which may be related to a leader’s authenticity. In other words, to reach the desired goals and results, the leader is aware of the actions and understands how decisions can affect people. Moreover, the “mantle of leadership” can mean awareness of oneself as a leader. This is an essential aspect that all people who influence and lead other people should achieve.
Another type of leadership with no less significant value than the authentic type is the servant leader. A distinctive feature of this type of leadership is the activity and interaction with individuals to gain authority, not strength (Northouse, 2022). Thus, it can be said that Paul Farmer is a servant leader since his entire profession and activity were aimed at gaining respect from other people and not gaining power over them. Through his actions, the man wanted to make a positive contribution to the healthcare sector and devoted much time to achieve this topic.
One of the critical aspects of the type of leadership under study is putting others first. Paul Farmer had this trait, as he sacrificed his strength and time to help people in Haiti while working in Boston and sleeping in the basement. In addition, the man directed all his resources to the dissemination and expansion of his initiative, gradually affecting the countries of Africa and the United States of America.
The other feature of a servant leader is getting followers to serve. Paul Farmer’s followers gradually increased their number and did everything to contribute to the process of achieving his vision. They were mainly medical workers who worked in medical institutions that helped those in need around the world. It can be assumed that Paul Farmer’s childhood contributed to his desire to become a servant leader. This is because children’s impressions can significantly affect children, and memories can remain until the end of life. Moreover, the Farmer’s interest in anthropology and medical science are indicators that he wanted to help people from an early age.
Reference
Northouse, P.G. (2022). Introduction to Leadership: Concepts and Practice. SAGE.