What are the best traits in an authentic leader?

There are quite a few. Some of the more important, in my opinion, are as follows:
1. Be honest at all times.
2. Never say something needs to be done because so and so said so.
3. Never ask your people to do anything you wouldn't do yourself.
4. Nobody else gets to give your soldiers a hard way to go. If a peer or a higher has a problem with one of your people, they talk to you unless it's an on the spot correction.
5. Be there for your people, even if they just need to vent or bitch about something.
6. Treat all with respect and dignity, even when you're jumping in that ass knee deep.
7. Always let your people know where they stand. If there's a problem, don't jump right to the harshest measures to correct it.
8. When punishment becomes necessary, make damn sure the punishment fits the crime. Be creative, don't try to flex, and don't ever belittle or humiliate. That's called toxic leadership.
9. Never forget that your people watch everything you say and do. If you say it, make it happen.
10. Never forget that you, too, are someone's follower, not just others leader.
11. Be humble. Don't act like you know everything. Listen to your people, they've probably come up with methods and solutions that you haven't.
12. Cut them some slack when you're in garrison. No slack when the bullets are flying.
The above are one man's opinions. I've tried very hard to follow these as a leader. Remember, take care of your people, they'll take care of you, and the mission will take care of itself.

Treats people as real people.

CPL Arthur Cooke Jr

A authentic leader is someone Who is:
* Fears God
* Loves Fellow man
* Active listener
* Active not passive character
* Follows through on commitment's
* Willingness to admit error
* Knows when to Lead

HONESTY

What are the best traits in an authentic leader?
In my opinion I believe the best traits in an authentic leader are
1. Leading by example
2. Exercises good judgment
3. Dependability
4. Commitment
The best real-world example would be NCO's eating last in the field while lower enlisted eat first the handful of times we were fortunate enough to eat hot chow in the field.

A true leader leads by example; always willing to do any task that is asked of those he leads.

Doing so helps establish and maintain the trust and loyalty vital of those he leads.

"Do as I say not as I do" only creates resentment and undermines trust and loyalty.

This is applicable at ALL ranks and grades.

USMC

The authentic leader is one who those who follow do not ever question their authenticity. That seems like a simple answer, but the truth is; when someone who is truly authentic presents themself as a leader, and those who respond always feel compelled to listen and follow their example; because there is a "feeling" or intuition that the person speaks both from the heart, and with a strong conviction from experience.

While some may try to deny it, we all possess an innate sense or ability to see through anyone who is inauthentic. Some just decide to ignore this ability and follow those who say what they want to hear because it is the easy path of least resistance.

But: the authentic leader speaks truth from the heart and because they follow their own passion and beliefs, others see that truth and are comfortable letting this person provide the leadership they desire.

The authentic leader never provides direction that is based on self-interest or personal gratification. They lead from a position of community and know that the decisions they make will positively impact the community, not any one individual. They work from a desire to know and promote what is best for the group they lead and not any one person or themselves. They have a very personal understanding of the responsibly that comes with being a leader and they take that responsibility to heart, personally. Nothing they do focuses on themselves but always what is best for the community they lead. Every time.

Anyone who follow an authentic leader feels comfortable and connect to their guide. They lack anxiety in the decision and have faith that the outcome is always the best for the long-term survival of the community and not the individual.

A authentic leader should have a level of compassion, understanding and honesty. A soldier will give little to no respect to a leader who does nothing but toss their rank around. Soldiers can relate to a leader who treats their troops with respect and as adults as opposed to a leader who treats them like a bunch of kids. A leader who isn’t afraid to get their hands dirty and leads by example. A leader should never ask their troops to do something they wouldn’t do themselves. Communication is big in the military leadership or lack there of, some leadership will not relay information correctly and when the soldiers get it wrong will then turn it around on their soldier. A true leader will take responsibility for failures caused by miscommunication. These are traits that make a leader a great leader!

There Are Several but among a few are:
1. Dependability Those under and above a good leader should see they are dependable.
2. Integrity a good leaders integrity should demonstrate this and own and admit to failures and shortcomings and work to improve on these and do their best to keep to their word.
3. Unselfishness Good leaders think less about themselves and more about their team their actions and words should demonstrate this by perhaps seeing team members get Things like food, recognition, support, help, and time off before they do.
4. Bearing A good leader carries themselves with authority but has enough bearing to execute orders but does it in a tactful manner as to earn the respect and trust of those under him without being disrespectful or condescending.
5. Initiative A good leader demonstrates to his peers by taking the initiative when challenges arise not leaving them for others to discover and knowing when it's appropriate to do so.
6. Enthusiasm A leader must be enthusiastic about their job and the task at hand This Enthusiasm can be contagious and motivate fellow team members to action or better cooperation and comradery.