The correct answer to this open question is the following.
The individual that I believe exhibits authentic leadership is Alabama´s Head Football coach Nick Saban. My specific examples are the following. He is a tough man who is not afraid to make difficult decisions. He runs his football program as a true CEO. He is a great recruiter, public speaker, and has won several national championships, taking care that their players also are good students. He has never been accused of cheating.
The role of authentic leadership in creating trust and followership, in this case, is to lead by example. For coach Saban, there is no other way to lead an organization. If the leader is not the first one to set the example, he had no right to demand the same to his team members. This can improve
organizations in that employees recognize that the leader is the one to set the tone in the workplace and practice what it preaches.
Considering the four characteristics of conscious capitalism, these can be applied in the example I have provided in the following way:
1.- Conscious leadership. He is very aware that he is the leading example for the entire organization.
2.- Stakeholder orientation. He looks for the best conditions for his players and authorities. He takes into consideration all of their necessities.
3.- Conscious culture. He considers that culture is the foundation of great organizations.
4.- A higher purpose. For him, winning is not everything. Academics is the most important and graduating.
