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What are the 21 Traits of Authentic Leadership, and why do they matter?

In this episode of The Automotive Leaders Podcast, host Jan Griffiths takes us on a journey into the heart of authentic leadership, exploring the origins and importance of the "21 Traits of Authentic Leadership."

Born out of Jan's desire to define authentic leadership, the idea for the 21 traits emerged when she founded her business. Drawing from her extensive experiences in the automotive industry, she identified the traits she admired in herself and others, ultimately crafting a set that captures the essence of being an authentic leader. This framework laid the groundwork for her online courses and workshops, providing a practical approach to developing effective leadership skills.

Throughout the episode, Jan walks listeners through each of the 21 traits, explaining their importance in shaping a leadership style that is both genuine and impactful but also perfectly suited to the industry's evolving demands. Jan's passion for redefining leadership is evident as she discusses each trait, aiming to empower leaders to embrace their authentic selves and create a positive impact on their teams.

Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of these traits and discover how to embrace them in your professional journey, equipping yourself to tackle today's challenges in the automotive industry.

Themes discussed in this episode:

• The traits you need to become an effective leader in today's automotive industry
• What it means to be an authentic leader in a rapidly evolving environment
• The need to shift from traditional leadership to a more people-centered approach
• How to create a workplace where team members feel valued and supported
• The importance of resilience and adaptability in navigating the complexities and uncertainties of the industry
• Why we need to build genuine relationships with team members
• Understanding that effective leadership involves continuous learning and personal development
• What the new generation of authentic leaders needs to do to make their company a great place to work

Your Host

Jan Griffiths is the architect of cultural change in the automotive industry. As the President & Founder of Gravitas Detroit, Jan brings a wealth of expertise and a passion for transforming company cultures. Additionally, she is the host of the Automotive Leaders Podcast, where she shares insightful conversations with industry visionaries. Jan is also the author of AutoCulture 2.0, a groundbreaking book that challenges the traditional leadership model prevalent in the automotive world. With her extensive experience and commitment to fostering positive change, Jan is at the forefront of revolutionizing the automotive landscape. Reach out to her at Jan@gravitasdetroit.com

Mentioned in this episode:

• The 21 Traits of Authentic Leadership PDF
• Gravitas Detroit Leadership Program
• Grab a copy of Jan’s book AutoCulture 2.0: Leading with Gravitas
• Email Jan Griffiths at jan@gravitasdetroit.com

Episode Highlights:

[00:01:27 ] The Beginning: Jan takes us behind the scenes of the 21 Traits of Authentic Leadership, breaking down how these traits came to life and why they matter for anyone who wants to lead with heart and authenticity.

[00:04:11 ] Resilience: Resilient leaders don’t get stuck in the past; they bounce back, stay hopeful, and push ahead, showing that true strength means never giving up.

[00:05:41 ] Cognitive Diversity: Authentic leaders know that different perspectives make a team stronger, bringing out ideas from everyone and building a culture where all voices matter.

[00:07:07 ] Supportive Coaching Leadership Style: By swapping control for support, these leaders help their teams grow and thrive, creating a space where everyone has a chance to shine.

[00:08:16 ] Focus on Long-Term Results: Great leaders juggle today’s tasks while keeping one eye on tomorrow, guiding their teams toward a future they can all believe in.

[00:09:36 ] Energy: Leaders with contagious energy bring life to the room, lifting spirits and inspiring others to dive in with the same passion and enthusiasm.

[00:11:03 ] Mindset: Growth-minded leaders see every challenge as a chance to grow, always aiming to be better and showing others that learning never stops.

[00:12:59 ] Kindness: Kind leaders prove that caring isn’t a weakness; it’s the way to earn trust and show people they truly matter.

[00:14:50 ] Trust: Leaders who build trust create a safe haven where their team feels respected, valued, and ready to give their best.

[00:17:08 ] Vulnerability: By being open and real, vulnerable leaders inspire deeper connections, encouraging others to be their authentic selves, too.

[00:18:37 ] Ownership, responsibility, and accountability: Owning up to responsibilities fosters a culture of trust, where everyone’s working together instead of pointing fingers.

[00:22:45 ] Consistency: A consistent leader is like a rock; they provide the stability that helps their team feel grounded and secure, no matter what.

[00:23:52 ] Empowerment: Empowerment means letting go and giving people the space to try, fail, and grow, showing that real leadership is about trust.

[00:25:34 ] Transparency: Open leaders don’t keep secrets; they share the bigger picture, helping their teams feel informed and engaged in what’s happening.

[00:26:46 ] Communication: Great leaders communicate clearly and openly, ensuring that everyone understands not just what needs to be done but why it matters.

[00:28:06 ] Listening skills: By truly listening, leaders make space for others to be heard, showing respect and fostering a culture where ideas can flourish.

[00:30:05 ] Honesty and integrity: Leaders with integrity stick to their values, choosing the right path over the easy one and setting an example that earns respect.

[00:31:56 ] Heart First Leadership: These leaders lead with empathy and compassion, showing that effective leadership is about understanding and supporting people.

[00:33:02 ] Self-awareness: Self-aware leaders know their strengths and limitations, continuously seeking to grow and make the best of their unique qualities.

[00:34:51 ] Celebrating success: Leaders who celebrate wins, big or small, boost morale and motivate their teams, making people feel recognized and valued.

[00:36:45 ] Vision and purpose: With a strong vision, leaders rally their teams around a shared purpose, making everyone feel like they’re part of something bigger.

[00:39:05 ] Lead with Gravitas: Leaders with gravitas have a strong, relatable presence that naturally earns respect and inspires loyalty from their teams. They stay true to their values and lead authentically, creating an atmosphere where people feel supported and empowered rather than controlled.

Mentioned in this episode:

This episode is sponsored by Lockton, click here to learn more